stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt How to pronounce stalemate (audio)
Definition of stalematenext
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

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.
Recent Examples of stalemate With the help of several family members, a late evening chase scene ended at midnight in a stalemate. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 That set the stage for follow-up talks this week, and a potentially more encouraging counterpoint to the diplomatic stalemate on Iran. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026 Their stalemate heated up this summer, when a fresh appeal seeking to undo the agreement reached the 9th Circuit. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 However, that 60-day period expires Monday amid a stalemate between the two countries and a deal seemingly nowhere in sight. — August 17, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
  1. halt
  2. tie
  3. impasse
  4. draw
  5. deadlock
Noun
  • The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and the 17 states that sued California over its packaging law aimed at reducing plastic waste filed a request last week for a temporary halt to the rollout of the policy.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Far from transforming the country’s politics, however, this dominance has ground it to a halt.
    — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of halt
Noun
  • Samba has ties to the Brazilian Carnival tradition, so Anna picks out a floral fabric and designs a skirt with feather-style panels that will move around with the dancer.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While Liang’s ties with the government have strengthened, his tech bets appear to be a convergence with Beijing’s priorities rather than state-directed, Wang noted.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • But Wolfkiel still worries about how the CDC firings and the impasse over federal funding will affect brain injury research and prevention efforts in the long term.
    — Lydia McFarlane, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That impasse may not hold as younger generations become a force in Thai politics.
    — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of impasse
Noun
  • Despite being technically undefeated — two wins and two unspectacular draws, as Alice and Beard are quick to point out — the players seem more enthused for what their respective groups have done rather than the team’s collective achievement.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Serena is not set to play singles, but Venus, 46, received a wild card for that draw, too.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of draw
Noun
  • The trial-scheduling order entered by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Schrama marked the latest milestone in a military prosecution beset by two decades of legal deadlock surrounding the four detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
    — Steve Gorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • After Keira Barry’s free kick attempt hit off the post, Girelli broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, finishing the rebound for the winner.
    — Phuoc Nguyen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of deadlock

Browse Nearby Words

stale
stalemate
stalemates
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Cite this Entry

“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stalemate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stalemate

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