Synonyms for

Congestion

Verb / kʌˈndʒestʃʌn / Another word for congestion — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Constriction or blockage, especially of the respiratory tract or a congested state.

Synonyms & similar words

overcrowding clog blockage obstruction jam crowding overcrowding gridlock snarl-up pile-up queue back-up backup congest choke suffocate stifling stuffy clutter crowdedness

Synonyms by register

Formal

blockage obstruction impaction occlusion

Informal

jam bottleneck snarl gridlock

Literary

stasis choke impasse

Antonyms

clearing unblocking flow openness emptiness relief

Common collocations

  • traffic congestion
  • nasal congestion
  • arterial congestion
  • congestion pricing
  • ease congestion
  • reduce congestion
  • congestion charge
  • congestion relief

Word family

noun congestion
verb congest
adjective congested

Usage note

Congestion typically refers to a state of being overcrowded or blocked, often used in contexts like traffic or medical conditions. 'Congested' is the common adjective form.

Example sentences

  1. The congestion on the road caused a lot of honking.
  2. I always get a congestion in my nose during allergy season.
  3. The congestion in the city made it hard for people to get around.
  4. The congestion in the airport was so bad that our flight was delayed.
  5. The congestion in the subway was unbearable during rush hour.

Quotes

  • Traffic congestion is caused by vehicles, not by people in themselves. - Jane Jacobs
  • The congestion of the population in cities is so great that they are rapidly becoming uninhabitable. - William Lyon Mackenzie King
  • The congestion of traffic and long working hours make it difficult to exercise. - David Sedaris

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