Thesaurus results for DEADLOCK

deadlock

noun

ˈded-ˌläk

Definition of deadlock

as in halt

a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in the jury sent a note to the judge that it was hopelessly stuck in a deadlock

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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 deadlock For Russia and Ukraine, the analogous deadlock concerns control over the Donbas. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 The second atomic bomb—not the first—broke the deadlock within Japan’s leadership, compelled Emperor Hirohito to intervene in the political process, and set in motion Japan’s surrender. — James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The retrials resulted in a hung jury and a deadlock, respectively. — Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 The deadlock was broken within five minutes when striker Haley Hopkins pounced on a shot by teammate Lo’eau LaBonta that was deflected. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadlock

Noun

In the early months of 2020, American freight ground nearly to a halt.

— Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Hormuz traffic grinds to a halt The president's latest remarks came after shipping traffic through the strait slowed nearly to a halt over the weekend.

— Kevin Breuninger,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of halt

Noun

Oil prices are hovering above $90 a barrel, as talks between Iran and the United States remain at an impasse.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
With this new evidence in hand, North Carolina’s legislators voted in July to continue the program, which was paused in the state’s budget impasse last year, scaling access to key drivers of savings and help close the gap in Medicaid state funding.

— Kody Kinsley, STAT, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of impasse

Noun

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
Tired of budget stalemates, deficits and continuous acrimony in the state Capitol, California voters in 2010 started taking action to temper political gridlock and loosen the grip of entrenched special interests.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of stalemate

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dead heats

deadlock

deadlocked

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“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadlock. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadlock

noun

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