Thesaurus results for STALEMATE

stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt

Definition of stalemate

as in halt

a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in a new negotiator finally got both sides past the stalemate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in tie

a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other after playing chess for 16 hours, we ended the game in a stalemate

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of stalemate The move comes after six months of a war launched by the US and Israel that has since reached a stalemate amid a lack of diplomatic resolution. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Navigating the stalemate with Iran could prove even more complex. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 Washington has turned to pulling economic levers six months into a war on Iran that has ground to a stalemate militarily, with peace talks stalled and most traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz blocked. — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 With gas prices high and the war with Iran still in a stalemate, the president summoned reporters to the White House this week for a much different reason. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalemate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate

Noun

Iran however said a supertanker that had caught fire over the weekend had struck two naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing it to a halt.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Upon arrival, Gideon slowly grows more suspicious of the theories as to why their 30-year friendship screeched to such an abrupt halt, but also of the reports of Gillian’s fatal accident.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of halt

Noun

Samba has ties to the Brazilian Carnival tradition, so Anna picks out a floral fabric and designs a skirt with feather-style panels that will move around with the dancer.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
While Liang’s ties with the government have strengthened, his tech bets appear to be a convergence with Beijing’s priorities rather than state-directed, Wang noted.

— Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of tie

Noun

But lawmakers of both parties are eager to avoid another impasse and would prefer to get back to their districts to campaign before the election.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
However, almost as quickly as talks between the parties hit an impasse, Spyder went on the offense and sued Mementum.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of impasse

Noun

The decision to present Nico to the St James’ crowd ahead of the West Bromwich Albion Carabao Cup tie was inspired, perpetuating the positivity brought about by the training-ground announcement and opening-day Liverpool draw.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Balloon flights are one of the region’s biggest draws, and so the most reputable operators can fill up weeks ahead, particularly from spring to autumn.

— Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of draw

Noun

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

Definition of deadlock

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stale

stalemate

stalemates

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“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stalemate

noun

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