Synonyms of checkmate

checkmate 1 of 2

verb

ˈchek-ˌmāt 

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

• frustrate
• thwart
• baffle
• defeat
• hamper
• stop
• prevent
• foil
• beat
• balk
• overcome
• halt
• hinder
• discomfit
• impede
• interfere (with)
• block
• handicap
• stall
• check
• forestall
• arrest
• avert
• obstruct
• tie up
• neutralize
• nullify
• set back
• hold back
• obviate
• conquer
• clog
• inhibit
• preclude
• offset
• encumber
• counteract
• short-circuit
• negate
• bar
• shackle
• trammel
• fetter
• hobble
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forward
• advance
• promote
• encourage
• assist
• aid
• further
• foster
• cultivate
• facilitate
• nurture
• ease
• abet
• smooth

checkmate

2 of 2

noun

as in deterrence

Related Words

• deterrence
• thwarting
• neutralization
• baffling
• nullification
• debarment
• negation
• crossing
• foiling
• frustration
• determent
• balking
• barring
• outlawing
• circumvention
• prevention
• interdiction
• forbidding
• enjoining
• prohibition
• avoidance
• proscribing
• prohibiting
• proscription
• interdicting
• averting
• forestallment
• precluding

Dissimilar Words

• assistance
• support
• aid
• backing
• promotion
• encouragement
• advancement
• facilitation
• cultivation
• nurture

Example Sentences

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