jam-ups

Definition of jam-upsnext
plural of jam-up
as in jams
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement knowing that there was a big traffic jam-up ahead, we took the detour that the locals always use

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jam-ups
Noun
  • The outing wasn’t free of some jams, but Wright worked out of them with poise.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Arndt allowed baserunners in each of the first five innings but wiggled out of most of the jams.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Visiting is free, and public transit is recommended due to the traffic snarls along the National Mall (especially on the weekend).
    Adele Chapin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
  • As Ross, Martin’s friend and confidante, Kevin Singer has the insinuating righteousness of a slinky cat, his line readings all mews and snarls.
    Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Jam-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jam-ups. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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