congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
congested; congesting; congests
Synonyms of congestnext

transitive verb

1
: to concentrate in a small or narrow space
2
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (such as an organ or part)
3
: clog
Holiday traffic congested the highways.

intransitive verb

: to become congested
congestion
kən-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce congest (audio)
-ˈjesh-
noun
congestive
kən-ˈje-stiv How to pronounce congest (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of congest

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Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The tissue layers surrounding the brain (meninges) were congested in the area of the stingray spine. — Mark Price june 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Even in this very simplified case, the network is already congested. — Ana I. Pérez-Neira, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Apr. 2026 Your pores might be congested with gunk or product residue, so double-cleansing can make all the difference. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026 At the time of the collision, both northbound lanes were congested because of a lane closure north of the crash scene. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for congest

Word History

Etymology

Latin congestus, past participle of congerere to bring together, from com- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of congest was in 1599

Rhymes for congest

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Browse Nearby Words

conger pike
congest
congested
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Cite this Entry

“Congest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

congest

verb
con·​gest kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
1
: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)
2
: to block by filling too full : clog, overcrowd
congested streets
congestion
-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce congest (audio)
-ˈjesh-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on congest

Nglish: Translation of congest for Spanish Speakers

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