Definition of deadlocknext
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in the jury sent a note to the judge that it was hopelessly stuck in a deadlock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 deadlock For now, the focus is on Herzog, whose role is even more important given the current deadlock. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2026 Securing the first mandate would not guarantee Eisenkot could assemble a governing majority, leaving the possibility of another political deadlock. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Between 2019 and 2022, Israel held five elections due to electoral deadlock. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Amid the deadlock, Hinson is making her own play for the center. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadlock
Noun
  • Things came to a sudden halt on July 7, when Murphy died at the age of 32 in what authorities have ruled an apparent drowning.
    — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In the years since the COVID-19 lockdown brought the subway system to a halt — and clipped many a commute by moving work out of the office — 2019 subway ridership has been treated as a benchmark of the city’s revival.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Finally, while frustrated by his years of struggle and especially the hurtful impact that this impasse has had on the lives of millions of Dreamers, Durbin projects confidence that this cause will prevail.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Official conversations — those at the bargaining table — were stalled from late July to October when the Public Employment Relations Board declared an impasse.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Middle East conflict – and the United States’ role in it – are, as such, locked in a stalemate.
    — Javed Ali, The Conversation, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The war with Iran remains a stalemate, which is also driving up energy prices, as does the Ukraine-Russia war.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadlock. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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