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
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
Stiller refused to commit to an alternative, and a year of developmental stalemate ensued.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
And that, Fleck says, is often what’s missing when couples are trying to find their way out of a stalemate.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Across most of the U.S., buyers and sellers are at somewhat of a stalemate, Divounguy says.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stalemate 
Abiodun Williams, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Stiller refused to commit to an alternative, and a year of developmental stalemate ensued.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
And that, Fleck says, is often what’s missing when couples are trying to find their way out of a stalemate.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Across most of the U.S., buyers and sellers are at somewhat of a stalemate, Divounguy says.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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Related article As humanitarian officials warn people could die as a result of Trump’s foreign aid halt, Rubio issues new waiver CNN has reached out to USAID and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for comment.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN,
30 Jan. 2025
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The temporary halt in funding shuts down the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the global health program started by George W. Bush, which is credited with saving 25 million lives worldwide.—
Elaine Mallon,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The auto industry also retains deep ties to Canada and Mexico, making tariffs a threat to prices for cars and auto parts, experts said.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 Feb. 2025
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At least six had ties to the Skating Club of Boston, located in Norwood, Massachusetts.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The origin of the trade discussions with Carolina actually goes back to before June’s draft when the Hurricanes were at a contract impasse with Necas and shopping him around the league, according to league sources.—
Chris Johnston,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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The Mets and Alonso, whose 226 home runs rank third in franchise history, have been at an impasse all offseason, with a reported three-year offer in the $70 million range not believed to be close to what the slugger is seeking.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But, the morning draw of 13, 23, 29, 32 and 34 was matched by a ticket sold at Key Food, 8890 NW Seventh Ave.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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Nora, the tail-less cat is by far our biggest draw.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA TODAY,
26 Jan. 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 5 Feb. 2025.
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