standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
Synonyms of standstillnext
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms of standstill

Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill. battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And that majority shrank further after Greene retired in January, leaving her seat vacant for several months as Congress is at a standstill amid a partial government shutdown. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026 The entire company has been brought to a standstill. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026 Tanker traffic through the strait has ground to a standstill as shippers fear attacks by Iran. Spencer Kimball,sam Meredith, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026 Negotiations are right at the finish line, but at a standstill, according to French. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standstill

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standstill was in 1702

Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still -ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop
traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill

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