stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt How to pronounce stalemate (audio)
Definition of stalematenext
1
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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2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Gulf is entering a costly new era of accommodating Iran, regardless of whether Tehran and Washington break their stalemate. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 High fuel prices and an Iran war stalemate give Europe an incentive to try to help end the conflict. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026 After a first-half stalemate and three points aside in the opening 30 minutes, Joseph’s defense came out flying in the third quarter. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 The buildup comes as the war, now in its eighth month, remains stuck in a stalemate. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
  1. halt
  2. tie
  3. impasse
  4. draw
  5. deadlock
Noun
  • Ideally, a reciprocal halt in long-range air and missile attacks could then be replicated across other sectors—maritime, commercial, and transportation—thus forming the basis of a broader aerial cease-fire.
    — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • President Iliana Yotova called for an immediate halt to hostilities in the Black Sea and a moratorium on drone attacks against commercial and civilian infrastructure, following the latest drone attacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of halt
Noun
  • Perhaps more importantly, both justices have deep ties to the conservative legal movement.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Kingston, Hillenbrand’s primary driver in listing the property is to use the funds to expand the business, not to cut ties with it.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • Still, after months of often contentious dialogue with government officials, local producers are grateful that both sides have found a way through the impasse.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • After more than a year of negotiations and a proposal from the CSU to increase salaries by 3%, the California Faculty Association — which represents about 29,000 professors, lecturers, librarians, counselors and coaches — declared impasse in July.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impasse
Noun
  • Tuesday’s major money Florida Lottery draw games produced two big winners who split one jackpot.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The size of the library is the main draw, but uTalk also takes a straightforward approach to learning.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of draw
Noun
  • The country is dealing with a growing debt crisis, a budget deadlock, and widespread protests.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The most likely outcome of the upcoming elections, Levy said, would be some form of deadlock, in which case Netanyahu would continue serving as caretaker prime minister until a new government is sworn in.
    — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of deadlock

Browse Nearby Words

stale
stalemate
stalemates
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Cite this Entry

“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stalemate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stalemate

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