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
As the stalemate enters its 21st day, both parties face mounting pressure to resolve the gridlock, with hundreds of thousands of government workers still furloughed.
—
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
The federal government shutdown rolled on to its 20th day on Monday as a resolution remained elusive amid a bitter stalemate between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
With the stalemate broken, Fox and Croughwell went back to their respective duties.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
After a first-quarter stalemate, Mullen scored early in the second.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
The federal government shutdown rolled on to its 20th day on Monday as a resolution remained elusive amid a bitter stalemate between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
With the stalemate broken, Fox and Croughwell went back to their respective duties.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
After a first-quarter stalemate, Mullen scored early in the second.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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That drought came to a halt Saturday when Thayer defensive back Jack Sullivan intercepted Governor’s quarterback Aiden Bly, preserving a 16-14 victory in enemy territory.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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But both companies have since put a halt to those plans.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Along with the sports news, Sensical Gaming has forged ties across FAST, apps and subscription channels with creators Abdallah Smash, DanTDM, Ethan Gamer, KREW, Shiloh & Bros, and Stacy Plays.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
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The Arab Critics’ Awards for European Films were launched in 2019 by EFP and ACC to promote the diversity of European cinema in the Arab world and strengthen ties between Arab film critics and European filmmakers.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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These subsidies, which are critical to people with chronic illnesses such as cancer, are one of the main sticking points in the current budget impasse in Congress.—
Noam Levey,
NPR,
21 Oct. 2025
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Oklahoma's governor wants to settle the federal lawsuit over pollution of the Illinois River, saying his state's attorney general and the defendant Northwest Arkansas poultry companies are at an impasse, according to a court motion filed Friday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The last two meetings between these teams have each ended in draws, but Brighton is on a hot streak after going unbeaten in five encounters against Newcastle.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
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Kate Schneider and Caroline Handwerk each scored in the third quarter to separate from a halftime draw, finally overcoming a standout job from Bulldogs goalie Shealyn Murphy (15 saves).—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The federal government shuttered at the beginning of the month after Congress failed to break a funding deadlock and pass a measure to keep agencies running.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
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As the government shutdown stretches into day 14, funding for vital programs remains stuck in a deadlock limbo between Congressional Republicans and Democrats.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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