Synonyms of stalemate

stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt 

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

• halt
• impasse
• deadlock
• gridlock
• standstill
• standoff
• predicament
• jam
• logjam
• dilemma
• Mexican standoff
• pickle
• problem
• quandary
• bottleneck
• bind
• quagmire
• hole
• plight
• morass
• corner
• dead end
• fix
• difficulty
• pinch
• spot

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

• tie
• draw
• standoff
• deadlock
• impasse
• dead heat
• seesaw
• horse race
• toss-up
• photo finish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stalemate

The Gulf is entering a costly new era of accommodating Iran, regardless of whether Tehran and Washington break their stalemate. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

High fuel prices and an Iran war stalemate give Europe an incentive to try to help end the conflict. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

After a first-half stalemate and three points aside in the opening 30 minutes, Joseph’s defense came out flying in the third quarter. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

The buildup comes as the war, now in its eighth month, remains stuck in a stalemate. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026