Definition of deadlocknext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Some sort of resolution to the Lindsay Clancy trial seemed finally within reach on Thursday afternoon when, after six days of deliberations and two reports of deadlock, word came from the jury room. Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 The first deadlock note came Tuesday and the second Wednesday. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 Jurors reported a deadlock yesterday afternoon, but Judge William Sullivan sent them back in to the deliberation room. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Retired Massachusetts Superior Judge Jack Lu told Fox News Digital that the deadlock note doesn't necessarily signal a mistrial is likely, and said a verdict is still possible. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadlock
Noun
  • The motions precede understanding as the lines perpetually reverse, halt, and cascade toward discovery—more scar, than solution.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, Cramer said his conversations at Dreamforce left him confident the industry has time to address AI’s risks without bringing development to a halt.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The unsanctioned parades of cars decked out in Mexican flags have previously led to major traffic jams and impasses for emergency vehicles.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The staff’s efforts hit an impasse just as the office romance between Ned (Domhnall Gleeson), the paper’s by-the-book editor in chief, and Mare (Chelsea Frei), one of the few competent and ambitious reporters on staff, becomes a stress point.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • His forces are failing to make significant headway on the ground in Ukraine, and the United States is mired in its own draining stalemate with Iran.
    Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The biggest risk to an ongoing stalemate is if Iran decides to escalate.
    JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

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“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadlock. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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