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

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.
Job growth has come to a near standstill, with overall hiring falling in both June and August. David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025 Job growth, Zandi said, has come to a standstill and the unemployment rate, while still low, is steadily rising. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025 And so, since the family has entered the gelateria, time seems to have reached a standstill. Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025 As so much around them came to a standstill, the family's sense of urgency increased. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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