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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The Celtics outscored it 30-18 as the Magic’s offense ground to a halt.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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Vehicles on every road in Israel come to a halt and drivers emerge from their cars or trucks to stand at attention.—
Rabbi Steve Roth,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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The deadlock spares Nichols, again, from a death sentence.—
Todd Pendleton,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Davison broke that deadlock with a tough driving layup.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
13 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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George Cunningham, senior vice president of public safety with Goldenvoice, explained the dilemma — and the steps being taken to address it — while speaking to the La Quinta City Council Tuesday.—
Tom Coulter,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But its story is broadly informed by the systemic conditions that have led to the stalemate between the medical community and the government.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
16 Apr. 2025
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The group ran through a number of ideas, according to a source, none of which would be a silver bullet to breaking the stalemate.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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 1 May. 2025.
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