congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

congested; congesting; congests

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

traffic congested the highways

intransitive verb

: to become congested

congestion

kən-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun

congestive

kən-ˈje-stiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• block
• choke
• clog
• clot
• dam
• gum (up)
• jam
• obstruct
• occlude
• plug (up)
• stop (up)
• stuff

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways

Recent Examples on the Web

So many had tried to claim the benefit that their applications congested the nation’s courts, consulates and municipal offices. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

But are congesting pricing programs really worth pursuing? —Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

The airspace is congested with commercial flights and a host of military and VIP helicopter traffic in the area. —Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025

The plane, groaning to gain altitude, struck the massive bridge connecting Arlington with the District, congested with traffic at the time, and then catapulted into the water. —Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for congest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

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 

-ˈjesh-

noun