1
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in
in their bitter custody battle, the divorcing couple are at a total impasse
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2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the impossible impasse faced by those who opposed the war but did not want to seem disloyal to the troops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impasse
Coufal is frustrated that talks over a new deal have reached an impasse, there is uncertainty over the futures of Edson Alvarez, Konstantious Mavropanos and Lucas Paqueta, while promising midfielder George Earthy, who is on loan at Championship side Bristol City, has a year remaining on his deal.
—
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul’s misgivings haven’t yet resulted in an impasse.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The property owner has been at an impasse with the Del Mar planning department over local zoning laws for more than two years.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
The shutdown occurred over an impasse on funding for Mr. Trump's border wall during his first term.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul’s misgivings haven’t yet resulted in an impasse.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The property owner has been at an impasse with the Del Mar planning department over local zoning laws for more than two years.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
The shutdown occurred over an impasse on funding for Mr. Trump's border wall during his first term.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
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One unique thing Reno fit into it is a short sound around the 1:35 mark that sounds like a car screeching to a halt.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
8 Apr. 2025
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Rather than dwell on this possibility, or call for a halt to further investments until the federal funding picture resolves, supervisors instead took turns bidding Bergmann farewell and welcoming acting director Nadia Privara.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Why Canned Wine? Archer Roose Wines, co-owned by chief creative officer and actress Elizabeth Banks and CEO Marian Leitner-Waldman, started with this predicament in mind.—
Bryce Jones,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2025
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California and other states have spent much of the past decade trying to get out of this predicament by undoing single-family zoning laws and streamlining permitting for apartments, backyard cottages and other higher-density housing.—
Conor Dougherty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The race is nonpartisan, but the incoming supervisor will break the 2-2 deadlock between the two Democrats and the two Republicans on the current Board of Supervisors.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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The ongoing deadlock raises the risk of direct conflict between the U.S. and Iran in an already unstable Middle East, where an American aircraft carrier strike group is leading a U.S. military operation against the Houthi militants in Yemen.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deep-sea mining dilemma Deep-sea mining isn’t a new idea.—
Christian Elliott,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
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The couple faces a spiritual and cultural dilemma: proceed with the ritual or risk divine consequences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Nottingham Forest has been one of the EPL's best teams this season, so the two playing to a stalemate shouldn't come as a surprise.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
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As beers are cracked and meatballs are thrown, the game slowly turns into a stalemate that’s irritatingly adept at withstanding external pressure to end prematurely.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The deal on the burgers – each comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, Smash Sauce, and ketchup on a toasted bun – is good in stores, online and through the Smashburger app.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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According to our readers, classics like the Chicken Sandwich Meal (extra pickles, please) and seasonal treats like the Peach Milkshake are always worth stopping for.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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One obstacle the Bengals face in their quest for postseason play, however, is the outbreak of injuries that started in spring training and have created a significant hole in their offense.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
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One interesting depiction of the Last Supper was found above a German coat of arms, which depicted a goblet, a platter, and a round piece of bread with a hole in it, similar to a Jerusalem bagel.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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