deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
Synonyms of deadlocknext
1
: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill
the deadlock was broken with a key compromise
2
: a tie score
deadlock verb

Synonyms of deadlock

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Examples of deadlock in a Sentence

City councilors reached a deadlock over the law. His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.
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 jury on Wednesday handed Massachusetts Superior Court Judge William Sullivan its second deadlock notice, alerting the court that the nine women and three men could not reach a unanimous decision on Clancy’s fate. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 Retired Massachusetts Superior Judge Jack Lu told Fox News Digital that the deadlock note doesn't necessarily signal a mistrial is likely, and said a verdict is still possible. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Last year's budget led to a deadlock that saw Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu force the bill through parliament after months of delays. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 After six months of war, the deadlock has left the Islamic Republic bitterly divided, while its ultimate arbiter, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in hiding. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deadlock was in 1781

Rhymes for deadlock

See All Rhymes for deadlock

Browse Nearby Words

dead load
deadlock
dead loss
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Cite this Entry

“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deadlock

noun
dead·​lock -ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in
deadlock verb

Legal Definition

deadlock

noun
dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as
a
: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge
b
: impasse
c
: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting
deadlock verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deadlock

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deadlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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