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
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Recent Examples of stalemate
But compared to the stalemate between the Mets and Alonso that persisted from the end of the 2024 season into January, some movement with any club qualifies as major news.
—
John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Once again, Juventus ended a game with a draw, this time held to a 0-0 stalemate in a UEFA Champions League meeting with Club Bruges at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium.
—Adam Digby, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
The challenge of switching formations midway through a season has been exposed by United’s record since Amorim’s appointment in November: five wins, two draws, seven defeats, plus a shootout victory over Arsenal after another stalemate in the FA Cup.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
While other countries rotate and take turns participating in the council’s work, only these permanent council members can veto resolutions – leading to frequent stalemates.
—Abiodun Williams, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stalemate 
John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Once again, Juventus ended a game with a draw, this time held to a 0-0 stalemate in a UEFA Champions League meeting with Club Bruges at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium.
—Adam Digby, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
The challenge of switching formations midway through a season has been exposed by United’s record since Amorim’s appointment in November: five wins, two draws, seven defeats, plus a shootout victory over Arsenal after another stalemate in the FA Cup.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
While other countries rotate and take turns participating in the council’s work, only these permanent council members can veto resolutions – leading to frequent stalemates.
—Abiodun Williams, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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Here are some of the most notable categories: Foreign policy Trump's foreign policy approach in his early days in office centered around tariff threats, shirking international agreements and bringing much foreign aid to a halt.—
Avery Lotz,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
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On Thursday, the Trump administration also ordered an immediate halt of the $5 billion program aimed at building more EV charging stations on highways.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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To recap his 100 weeks at the summit, here’s a review of Brown’s 11 No. 1s on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay: With an 11th No. 1, Brown breaks a tie with Beyoncé for sole possession of the fourth-most leaders on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.—
Trevor Anderson,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2025
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Vancouver’s Thomas Gradin and Ivan Hlinka each score against Red Wings goalie Gilles Gilbert in the third period of a 4-4 tie at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. 1988 — Wayne Gretzky gets his NHL-record ninth 100-point season.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The tentative agreement marks a significant step forward in resolving the impasse that had threatened to disrupt essential public services provided by the Public Works Department.—
Julia Fomby,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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In some cases, a lack of meaningful reconciliation can cause relationships to wither, leaving both parties at an impasse.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Director of the Palm Beach County Tourism Bureau did not hesitate a second to assure our Commission that our historic downtown was a key component of our tourism draw.—
Christopher McVoy,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2025
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While Burnley were posting their 10th 0-0 draw of the season in Portsmouth, Leeds were putting Cardiff, unbeaten in seven, to the sword.—
Beren Cross,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Even visits by Vatican representatives to the island to press for the release of the protestors were unable to break the deadlock until the final days of the Biden administration.—
Patrick Oppmann,
CNN,
16 Jan. 2025
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Indonesia on Wednesday upheld a ban on iPhone 16 sales despite Apple’s $1 billion pledge to invest in the country after a negotiation deadlock, citing the company’s failure to meet domestic market requirements.—
AFP,
Fortune Asia,
8 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stalemate
Cite this Entry
“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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