standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
Synonyms of standstillnext
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms of standstill

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Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill. battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Public transportation and cultural events have come to a standstill. — Andrea Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Starting the Blackbird from a standstill is a stark departure from modern, electronic hypercars. — New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026 After a standstill that lasted several days, Madrid made progress over the weekend with RB Leipzig regarding the signing of 19-year-old Diomande. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026 Like much of the travel industry, theme parks came to a standstill during the pandemic, but Arie said his father, who founded the company, taught him that there is opportunity even amid hardship. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standstill

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standstill was in 1702

Phrases Containing standstill

Rhymes for standstill

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Browse Nearby Words

stand/stick out a mile
standstill
stand surety
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still -ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop
traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill

More from Merriam-Webster on standstill

Nglish: Translation of standstill for Spanish Speakers

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