checkmate 1 of 2

verb

ˈchek-ˌmāt How to pronounce checkmate (audio)
Definition of checkmatenext
as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal finally checkmated the billionaire in his attempt to take over the movie studio

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

checkmate

2 of 2

noun

as in deterrence

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of checkmate
Verb
In the playoffs, the NFL’s best defenses too often checkmated the Patriots pre-snap because Maye could not and/or did not audible into a new play. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 That was checkmate, as Martinez grounded out meekly to end the season. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Perfect Timing Of Valentine’s Day If the Boston Globe announcement was the opening move, the Valentine’s Day activation was the checkmate. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Simmons, a sophomore from Duncanville just south of Dallas, has certainly racked up his share of checkmates over the past two seasons with 20 total sacks. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for checkmate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for checkmate
  1. frustrate
  2. deterrence
  3. thwart
  4. thwarting
  5. baffle
  6. neutralization
  7. defeat
  8. baffling
Verb
  • Since then, Qatar has been frustrated by allegations leveled by Israeli political leaders that its payments to Gaza had helped finance the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Wright acknowledged that people are frustrated with the additional costs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Noun
  • Countdowns shape budgets and deterrence postures—which is why getting the timeline wrong has serious consequences, for all parties in the relationship.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Since the early years of this century, Russian strategists have tried to develop conventional alternatives to nuclear deterrence.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of deterrence
Verb
  • Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.
    — Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of thwart
Noun
  • To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The attack’s thwarting was an undeniable success.
    — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of thwarting
Verb
  • On a lesser show, Lee would have thrown Dale a meaningful look, baffled that the material world was aligning with the woo-woo.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But Danny Niemela, a contractor at ArDan Construction, says that the process baffles him.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • Further testing would need to examine venom neutralization, safety, stability, and therapeutic effectiveness before clinical development could be considered.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Antonelli and Verstappen pitted during the neutralization, after they had been put on medium tires during the red flag, with Russell left out on the hards he had been given for the restart.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of neutralization
Verb
  • This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Noun
  • Those who knew me found this baffling.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
  • That said, the good outweighs the baffling.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of baffling

Browse Nearby Words

checklists
checkmate
checkmated
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Cite this Entry

“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/checkmate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about checkmate

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