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

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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

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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 This state of affairs has led many to conclude that the conflict has become a stalemate of sorts – or, worse still, that the United States has already lost outright. Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 But the diplomacy seems to be at a stalemate, and so does the military operation, at this moment in time, with Iran still having control over the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News, 17 May 2026 Broadly, today was a stalemate between the favourites — or at least those few remaining. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026 The decision to grant Weinstein’s bid for a mistrial followed a stalemate in which jurors remained deadlocked in the third trial over the rape charge in New York. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
  • As Russia’s advance stalls, Ukraine boosts long-range strikes After a series of gains last year, Russia’s advances along the over 600-mile front line have ground to a near halt recently, and Ukraine’s armed forces have launched successful counterstrikes and reclaimed some ground.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • The painstaking work of clearing depots has ground to a halt, overtaken by a more volatile reality.
    Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Add in singles by Jung Hoo Lee, a sacrifice fly by Daniel Susac, and an RBI single by Harrison Bader, and the Giants turned a tie ballgame into a 3-1 lead.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Then Bella Perez hit a two-run home in the eighth to break a 3-3 tie.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The rival teams were supposed to meet Sunday afternoon to figure a way out of the impasse.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 May 2026
  • After weeks of exchanging proposals, Iran’s latest offer did not show significant concessions on critical sticking points, according to a person familiar with the matter, who said issues of nuclear enrichment remain central to the impasse.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • With the spacious rooms, multiple pools, and central location, families will find the ease and convenience of staying here a big draw.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • Houston had played a club-record 13 straight matches without a draw to begin a season.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Oil prices rise, stocks fall over Hormuz deadlock Oil prices rose and stocks slipped on growing signs that the Strait of Hormuz was likely to remain all but shut for the foreseeable future.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
  • Then Hertl broke the deadlock — and now the Golden Knights just need to win one of four games.
    Mercury News, Mercury News, 25 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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