sticking point

noun

: an item (as in negotiations) resulting or likely to result in an impasse

Examples of sticking point in a Sentence

The length of the contract has become a sticking point in the negotiations.
Recent Examples on the Web The main sticking point in closing the deal was assurance that KAABOO will actually take place as advertised. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 Another potential sticking point between Hochul and top lawmakers is a plan from the governor to adjust how the state doles out education funding to local districts. Maysoon Khan and Anthony Izaguirre, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 Both sides will also know about comments from the jury foreperson, who offered insight into the topic that was a sticking point during deliberations: how exactly Ethan got access to the weapon. Eric Levenson, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024 But key sticking points were never resolved including around just how restrictive the 32-degree threshold would be in a city where weather can fluctuate widely even in the coldest months of the year. Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2024 That means policymakers and analysts could emphasize caution and patience until more data comes in — and that they won’t necessarily be shaken by data showing housing and gasoline as the main sticking points. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 One main sticking point in negotiations has been Hamas’s insistence, at least publicly, on a complete cessation of hostilities as a condition for any hostage deal, as well as the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 One sticking point seems to be about whether this should be a six-week pause in fighting or a permanent ceasefire. Nbc Universal, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2024 The White House appears willing to make concessions on asylum, though another tool used to admit migrants, humanitarian parole, has been a major sticking point. David Sivak, Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sticking point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticking point was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near sticking point

Cite this Entry

“Sticking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticking%20point. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!