1
as in cramp
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
he suffers terribly from back spasms
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in burst
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a spasm of love that he had never experienced before
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spasm
Trump said, when asked about a recent spasm of anti-police violence in Boston’s South End.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Smart was ruled out against the Suns on Monday afternoon because of lower back injury management – a change in injury designation after being listed as out for last Friday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks and Sunday night’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans because of back spasms.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 2 Dec. 2025
The Bruins were not phoning in the finale of a lost season, as evidenced by Iamaleava's decision to play despite dealing with neck spasms all week.
—CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025
Jaylen Brown, who tied his season high with 41 points against the Wolves after being listed as questionable with low back spasms, was removed from the injury report and cleared to play against Cleveland.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasm
Noun
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The vaccine campaign has been so effective that today, many pediatric medical residents have never encountered an infant hospitalized because of the infection, which can cause days of diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever.—
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The loss of fluids and electrolytes can cause lightheadedness, excessive thirst, and muscle cramps.—
Noun
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The only constant is Mount Etna, looming off to one side, at times sputtering out smoke, ash, and short bursts of lava.—
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And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos.—
Noun
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Local media also reported that several explosions were heard before the fire began.—
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Jonathan Taylor’s offensive explosion helped push the Indianapolis Colts past the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the first NFL regular-season game in Berlin, 31-25, in overtime.—
Noun
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As 6-7 went viral, teachers complained that random outbursts by their students were interrupting their lessons.—
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Kerr, who was ejected in the loss to the Clippers, was not worried about how the league or his players would react to his outburst.—
Noun
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But scientists still can’t fully predict how big an eruption will be, which can affect planning to help deal with the potential consequences on Earth.—
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While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.—
Noun
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Intense flash flooding in towns like Wrightwood and Phelan in recent weeks caused devastating mudslides and washed-out roads, forcing people to be rescued by helicopter.—
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The look was polished from root to tip, with a glossy finish that practically bounced off the camera flashes.—
Noun
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Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
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Heavy snow and strong wind gusts up to 40 mph will create hazardous travel conditions in northern El Paso County, according to the warning.—
Cite this Entry
“Spasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasm. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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