as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal
finally checkmated the billionaire in his attempt to take over the movie studio
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in deterrence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of checkmate
Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
In the last episode, Mya checkmated Tommy with one simple question and has proven her wisdom in the pretrial phase.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 July 2024
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
The scene sees Martin's character, named George, put Redford's in checkmate with some help from series star Zahn McClarnon, who portrays Navajo tribal police officer Joe Leaphorn on the series.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for checkmate
Verb
Brown checkmates most defensive backs and should still post big numbers if Philly’s offense runs smoothly.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
In the last episode, Mya checkmated Tommy with one simple question and has proven her wisdom in the pretrial phase.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 July 2024
Noun
Del Norte High’s chess team members have increasingly declared checkmate against their opponents, with the team capturing a third-place regional tournament award just four years after it was formed.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
The scene sees Martin's character, named George, put Redford's in checkmate with some help from series star Zahn McClarnon, who portrays Navajo tribal police officer Joe Leaphorn on the series.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for checkmate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for checkmate
Verb
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Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
11 June 2025
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As a result, Hough and other park superintendents were constantly frustrated by their inability to protect the park’s features from vandals and thieves.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 June 2025
Noun
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In the process, the audacious asymmetric attack has raised questions among military analysts about everything from the future of air defenses to the nature of nuclear deterrence.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
Christian Science Monitor,
4 June 2025
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Group member Bob Evans, who is president of the La Jolla Parks & Beaches board, noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a list of legal deterrence options that could be used, including barriers, lights, sprinklers and noisemakers.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The original show’s premise dealt with a demonic invasion being thwarted by plucky heroes in mystical samurai armor, which worked sort of like power armor.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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However, the package requires the backing of all EU members and could be thwarted by vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary, which are considered Moscow's closest allies in the EU.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Verb
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How Harry has changed under the influence of Meghan Markle has been baffling both to the royal family and beyond.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
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So, for the club to be entertaining flogging, the one man who has bucked that trend is baffling.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Similar to what refined oils go through, the tallow may need neutralization — a chemical refining process usually involving an alkaline solution that’s basically baking powder, which separates free fatty acids from the tallow.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN,
25 Mar. 2025
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The prospects for success have been enhanced by Israel’s recent neutralization of Iranian proxies and air defenses, which gives Washington a chance to expand on the template of the Abraham Accords by fostering Israeli-Saudi normalization.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His reign ended as another American emerged, Francis Ouimet, a mild-mannered amateur who defeated Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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That’s supposed to keep immigrant families safe and defeat Trump?—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
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Hundreds of law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level spent nearly two weeks searching for Hardin, using dogs, drones and aircraft, at times hampered by severe weather.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Noun
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The nullification of his diploma disqualifies Imamoglu from running for president, and the terrorism charge removes him from the mayor’s office.—
Gonul Tol,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Mar. 2025
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Forgetting is a step toward nullification.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/checkmate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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