DEAD END Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

dead-end 1 of 2

verb

ˈded-ˈend

Definition of dead-end

as in to end

to come to an end after several fruitless years, the research seems to have simply dead-ended

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dead end

2 of 2

noun

as in high road

Related Words

as in dilemma

Related 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 dead-end

Verb

But on an early summer morning in 2023, Ashley’s body was found on a dead-end street just outside the city. — Jonathan Moens — Bellingcat, STAT, 18 June 2026 Others incarcerated at Aliceville were facing life-threatening health conditions, and made to navigate the same dead-end bureaucracy. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026

Noun

Chicago’s results were hard to square with the claim that higher standards were an academic dead end. — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 For the millions of people living with the disorder, understanding may be the beginning of recovery rather than another dead end. — Mackenzi Moore, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dead-end

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead-end

Verb

Those efforts have included dispatching a senior envoy to discuss ending Iranian airline Mahan Air’s flights to Oman, according to a Treasury Department spokesperson.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Whole Foods is providing additional flowers, helping Petals with Promise reach even more people after the outdoor growing season ends.

— Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of end

Noun

The Democratic dilemma was crystallized last month when Democratic National Committee members approved dueling messages — one to abolish ICE, the other to reform it.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
To the modern true-crime aficionado, the Unabomber must present an intriguing dilemma.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

All net proceeds were donated to charities that support and advocate for women and girls, and as the evening came to a close, Melinda Gates matched the $10 million already raised and brought the total to $20 million.

— Karla Cote, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
The Commanders will be desperate in their home opener after dropping two divisional games on the road and Dan Quinn’s game plan will be to keep this close.

— Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Noun

At the time, the restaurant stood on the back right-hand corner of the supermarket.

— Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Alvarez struck out with runners on the corners in his second at-bat, and struck out on three pitches in his third, this one against right-hander Gus Varland.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of corner

Verb

Zelenskyy has said his country could halt them should Russia end its attacks on energy infrastructure.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Even the World Organization for Animal Health, whose guidelines the CFIA follows, is reconsidering how effective culls are in halting bird-flu outbreaks in a world where the next wild duck to land at a farm could trigger another one.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of halt

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deaden

dead-end

dead end

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Style

“Dead-end.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead-end. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dead-end

verb

noun

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