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
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Recent Examples of stalemate
The 40-40 tie featured back-and-forth action, including a tying field goal on the last play of overtime to forge the stalemate.
—
Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
After losing at home to Barcelona in the Champions League, Newcastle dropped more Premier League points following a 0-0 stalemate at Bournemouth on Saturday.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The budget stalemate has intensified as Democrats feel betrayed by earlier spending cuts that Republicans passed on party lines.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Republicans, however, appear unlikely to yield to Democrats’ demands, underscoring the stalemate.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
After losing at home to Barcelona in the Champions League, Newcastle dropped more Premier League points following a 0-0 stalemate at Bournemouth on Saturday.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The budget stalemate has intensified as Democrats feel betrayed by earlier spending cuts that Republicans passed on party lines.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Republicans, however, appear unlikely to yield to Democrats’ demands, underscoring the stalemate.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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There have been a lot of calls for arms embargoes and a halt to aid for Israel.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
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Tourism ground to a halt just ahead of October, the biggest season for visitors.—
Laura Hackett,
NPR,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Along with an embroidered jacket and wide-leg pants, the actress wore a collared shirt and patterned tie.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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Dangling tie elements and a skirt slit lent a casual, avant-garde vibe to the look.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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On Friday, the Labor Department is expected release numbers on September hiring and unemployment — though the report could be postponed if a budget impasse in Congress leads to a government shutdown Wednesday.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
30 Sep. 2025
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The impasse leaves critical agencies facing furloughs and service disruptions, with millions of federal workers bracing for uncertainty.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Puerto Rico Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Jay Cannon,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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On the other hand, Atlético has half the points by accumulating two wins, three draws, and one loss.—
Pueng Vongs,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As a deadlock in Congress has prevented passage of the federal budget, Democrats have garnered increasing attention for drawing a line on this particular issue.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement Amid the apparent deadlock in negotiations, both parties are seeking to put blame for a potential shutdown on their opponents.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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