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
Another reason is that the federal government is now viewed by many as so routinely dysfunctional that budget stalemates are seen as just one more example of a broader breakdown.
—
Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Reconciliation, by contrast, allowed Republicans to pass fiscal and revenue-related farm provisions with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster and avoiding a stalemate that could have stretched on for years.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 2026
The refusal of a single Republican on that panel to vote for a presidential nominee would set up a stalemate that could leave Warsh's nomination without a recommendation of approval by the full Senate.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
The stalemate leaves us with the status quo, which is … really not that bad.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Reconciliation, by contrast, allowed Republicans to pass fiscal and revenue-related farm provisions with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster and avoiding a stalemate that could have stretched on for years.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 2026
The refusal of a single Republican on that panel to vote for a presidential nominee would set up a stalemate that could leave Warsh's nomination without a recommendation of approval by the full Senate.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
The stalemate leaves us with the status quo, which is … really not that bad.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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This marked the end of the strike, which brought the San Francisco Unified School District to a halt for the first time in over 45 years.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Doja Cat‘s South African homecoming may have been brought to a halt when Hey Neighbour festival canceled its 2025 staging, but the Grammy winner will finally get to visit her motherland this spring.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In bond determinations, judges are required to consider factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offense, a defendant’s criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight or danger to others.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
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The elaborate game plan involved identifying powerful targets like the Musk brothers, using women and intermediaries to forge stronger ties with the target, and then relentlessly trying to insert himself into their circles.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Parents like de Ayora said the stakes are high for families and students if the impasse continues.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
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The final step in the negotiations — an impasse hearing — is expected to take place in the coming weeks.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Hoosier Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The elections were later postponed indefinitely amid political deadlock and security concerns.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Arsenal’s convincing 4-0 victory at Leeds had a familiar format on Saturday, breaking the deadlock with yet another set piece to take three crucial points back to north London.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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