1
: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill
the deadlock was broken with a key compromise
2
: a tie score
deadlock
verb
Examples of deadlock in a Sentence
City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.
His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Senate Republicans say Democrats must compromise on immigration policy, while some conservatives suggest eliminating the filibuster to break the funding deadlock.
—
Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The partial government shutdown begins due to a deadlock between Senate Democrats and Republicans over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency that is part of the DHS.
—Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
The duel didn’t disappoint, as Langford and the Eagles broke a 2-2 deadlock, punching across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to emerge with a 4-2 triumph over the Falcons.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
As a result of quick passing combinations at the top of the box, Linda Ullmark found Kiki van Zanten to break the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 43rd minute.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
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Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The partial government shutdown begins due to a deadlock between Senate Democrats and Republicans over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency that is part of the DHS.
—Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
The duel didn’t disappoint, as Langford and the Eagles broke a 2-2 deadlock, punching across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to emerge with a 4-2 triumph over the Falcons.
—Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
As a result of quick passing combinations at the top of the box, Linda Ullmark found Kiki van Zanten to break the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 43rd minute.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
-ˌläk 
: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in
deadlock
verb
Legal Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
ˈded-ˌläk
: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as
a
: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge
b
: impasse
c
: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting
deadlock
verb
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