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logjam

noun
log·​jam | \ ˈlȯg-ËŒjam How to pronounce logjam (audio) , ˈläg-\

Definition of logjam

1 : a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse
2a : deadlock, impasse trying to break the logjam in negotiations
b : blockage
c : jam, crowd
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Other Words from logjam

logjam transitive verb

Synonyms for logjam

Synonyms

backup, bottleneck, jam, jam-up, snarl, tailback [British], tie-up

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Examples of logjam in a Sentence

He was called in to try to break the logjam in the negotiations. the presence of an ambulance on the side of the highway created a logjam of rubberneckers who just had to have a look

Recent Examples on the Web

 Corbyn, who leads the biggest opposition party, nominated himself this month as caretaker prime minister, promising to avert a no-deal Brexit and then call a general election to break the logjam in Parliament. — Benjamin Mueller, BostonGlobe.com, "Anti-Brexit lawmakers try cooperating, for a change," 27 Aug. 2019 Zarif’s visit appeared to be a gambit to break the logjam. — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, "Iran’s Zarif makes surprise trip to G-7, catching Trump off-guard," 25 Aug. 2019 Battle to watch: Bay, Kampmoyer, Webb and Herbert are in a logjam for the No. — oregonlive.com, "Oregon Ducks fall camp breakdown: Tight ends," 27 July 2019 Nadler said winning enforcement of the McGahn subpoena could break the logjam of White House resistance. — Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, "House files lawsuit for grand-jury evidence behind Robert Mueller's report on the Russia investigation," 26 July 2019 The obvious goal is to ease the postgame traffic logjam along Route 1. — Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, "Patriots to add free and reduced-priced parking lots, but there’s a catch," 11 Aug. 2019 He is considered a candidate for induction in 2020, when as many as 20 candidates could be inducted during the NFL’s 100th anniversary as a way to ease the logjam of worthy candidates. — Jerry Mcdonald, The Mercury News, "Raiders legend Cliff Branch dies at 71," 3 Aug. 2019 Meantime, the logjam of unaddressed legislation piled higher. — Emily Cochrane, New York Times, "Tariff Threats Aside, the Senate Is Where Action Goes to Die," 6 June 2019 Trump gambled that the show of amity could crack the nuclear logjam, underscoring his faith in the power of his own personal diplomacy — even with brutal strongmen like Kim — to achieve what past presidents could not. — Michael Crowley, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump steps into North Korea and agrees with Kim Jong Un to resume talks," 30 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'logjam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of logjam

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for logjam

logjam

noun
How to pronounce logjam (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of logjam

: a situation in which a large number of logs floating down a river become tangled with each other so that further movement is not possible
: a situation in which no progress seems possible

See the full definition for logjam in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on logjam

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with logjam

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for logjam

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