1
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in
in their bitter custody battle, the divorcing couple are at a total impasse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the impossible impasse faced by those who opposed the war but did not want to seem disloyal to the troops
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 impasse
Its passage breaks a monthslong partisan impasse in Congress over immigration policy.
—
Chad De Guzman,
Time,
10 June 2026
Indeed, these executives say advertisers and TV sales executives appear to be at an impasse over cable networks focused on entertainment.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 June 2026
The second chapter intertwines misfortune and impasses.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Eastside Innovation, the developer trying to bring a billion-dollar, mixed-use development to the site where Indian Springs Mall once stood, has reached an impasse with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and KCK over a key sticking point.
—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Chad De Guzman,
Time,
10 June 2026
Indeed, these executives say advertisers and TV sales executives appear to be at an impasse over cable networks focused on entertainment.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 June 2026
The second chapter intertwines misfortune and impasses.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Eastside Innovation, the developer trying to bring a billion-dollar, mixed-use development to the site where Indian Springs Mall once stood, has reached an impasse with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and KCK over a key sticking point.
—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
-
Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the economy to a halt over the past 50 days.
-
The ceasefire in the MOU extends to a halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, requiring Israel to withdraw from Lebanon under a final deal that Trump hopes to reach within 60 days.
Noun
-
Rather than allow the observatory to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, NASA turned Swift’s predicament into a test of an emerging technology — robotic satellite servicing.
-
And Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, is apparently in that predicament.
Noun
-
Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi broke through with little more than a quarter hour to go, slamming a chest-high volley past goaltender Nikola Vasilj to end the deadlock.
-
The deadlock reflected significant disagreement among jurors over the brothers' motives and the credibility of their abuse claims.
Noun
-
Perhaps every story in which the characters are fundamentally unable to change their lives is subject to this same dilemma.
-
Casa Amor, as a concept, is traditionally structured like a prisoner’s dilemma, with neither the main villa nor Casa Islanders aware of what their counterparts are doing while they’re separated.
Noun
-
Hope appears to spring eternal that Putin might seek some sort of off-ramp, given his dire stalemate on the battlefield and struggle defending Russian airspace.
-
Prior to Manzambi’s opening goal, the game unfolded like a grinding stalemate.
Noun
-
Layer the onions, 2 to 3 bacon pieces, and 2 to 3 pickles over the patty.
-
Add a small amount of pickle juice or vinegar to your egg salad.
Noun
-
The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.
-
The piece has seven holes for customization, and it’s designed to be worn at the hips or waist.
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
