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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impasse
The impasse over the resumption of the MLB season gets deeper, as CommissionerRob Manfred now states that there may not be a season at all.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
The Virginia Democrat questioned the White House's seriousness about the impasse, noting that the House has already left Washington and would be unable to approve an extension at this hour.
—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Its passage breaks a monthslong partisan impasse in Congress over immigration policy.
—
Chad De Guzman,
Time,
10 June 2026
Indeed, these executives say advertisers and TV sales executives appear to be at an impasse over cable networks focused on entertainment.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
The Virginia Democrat questioned the White House's seriousness about the impasse, noting that the House has already left Washington and would be unable to approve an extension at this hour.
—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Its passage breaks a monthslong partisan impasse in Congress over immigration policy.
—
Chad De Guzman,
Time,
10 June 2026
Indeed, these executives say advertisers and TV sales executives appear to be at an impasse over cable networks focused on entertainment.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
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Gulf primary bond issuance came to an abrupt halt in the wake of the conflict, with corporate and sovereign bond yields jumping as geopolitical tensions escalated.
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Wrangling my emotions became the difference between sputtering to a halt and moving forward.
Noun
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The combination of Olise’s footwork and Mbappé’s speed creates a don’t-know-where-to-turn predicament for France’s opponents.
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Potential romantic entanglement aside, these two have seriously different perspectives on Paula’s predicament.
Noun
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Balogun’s fancy footwork broke a scoreless deadlock 45 minutes into the action, booting a left-footed shot through the goalie’s outstretched legs.
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And finally, in the 71st minute, the Netherlands has broken the scoreless deadlock after a wild run that ended with Cody Gakpo's score.
Noun
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Perhaps every story in which the characters are fundamentally unable to change their lives is subject to this same dilemma.
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Casa Amor, as a concept, is traditionally structured like a prisoner’s dilemma, with neither the main villa nor Casa Islanders aware of what their counterparts are doing while they’re separated.
Noun
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The stalemate on Thursday suited both teams, with Australia going through as group runners-up.
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Cape Verde came onto the international stage with a thrilling show — shocking the world with its 0-0 draw against Spain, where Vozinha was catapulted into sports stardom for stonewalling the Spanish, and on to its 2-2 stalemate with Uruguay.
Noun
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Start with the Single Smash, layered with griddled onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and smash sauce, then explore variations from there, including a falafel smash for vegetarians.
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The dog can also be served in a classic Chicago-style, topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers and pickle.
Noun
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The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.
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The piece has seven holes for customization, and it’s designed to be worn at the hips or waist.
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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