as in escape
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement
the prisoners were recaptured after only three days on the lam
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
let's lam out of this hellhole while there's still time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lam
John Annese, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Paul Brightman lives on the lam while evading Russian operatives.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Andrew Lawrence, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024
One of those classic films that’s as good as its reputation (and maybe even better), Billy Wilder’s high-spirited comedy stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as jazz musicians who have to lam it after witnessing a mob crime.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for lam
Noun
Alvi Limani, 20, ditched the scene of the deadly New Jersey crash on June 25 and left one of his passengers to die, then went on the lam for 2½ weeks, prosecutors allege.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Paul Brightman lives on the lam while evading Russian operatives.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
No studio would finance the feature, about a whorehouse exhibitionist who lams it after being framed for murder — so director Melvin Van Peebles financed it himself with a boost from Bill Cosby, who gave him a $50,000 loan.
—Andrew Lawrence, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024
One of those classic films that’s as good as its reputation (and maybe even better), Billy Wilder’s high-spirited comedy stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as jazz musicians who have to lam it after witnessing a mob crime.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for lam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lam
Noun
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April itself may feel too full for an extended escape, but don't overlook what's available close by.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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An excavator was used on Thursday to dig an escape channel after earlier unsuccessful efforts to coax the whale back toward deeper water, including using coast guard and fire department boats to create large waves.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The sole occupant of the home was assaulted and tied up before the suspect stole several items from the home, including a vehicle, then used that vehicle to flee the scene, according to LeLacheur.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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All three suspects in the vehicle bailed and fled on foot, prompting assistance from both the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore City's Foxtrot.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By then, red flags were already flying.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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The pair launched a fundraiser to pay for more helicopter flying hours and advanced search gear.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lam. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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