Thesaurus results for DEADLOCK

deadlock

noun

ˈded-ˌläk

Definition of deadlock

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

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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 The retrials resulted in a hung jury and a deadlock, respectively. — Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 The deadlock was broken within five minutes when striker Haley Hopkins pounced on a shot by teammate Lo’eau LaBonta that was deflected. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 With pressure mounting on the government to break the deadlock and address growing demands for his resignation, Pradhan stepped down as education minister on July 25, and cabinet minister Pralhad Joshi was handed the portfolio. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Mediation failed Late Tuesday, Iranian officials rejected a proposal by Oman to end the deadlock between Washington and Tehran over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadlock

Noun

The abrupt termination of the main channels of connections and contact left the Chinese–North Korean relationship in a shambles as trade ground to a halt and economic ties were mostly cut off.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
The decision also puts 1,500 union workers on hiatus, as much of the construction grounds to a halt, Bally’s said.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of halt

Noun

The impasse leaves Washington treating its naval presence as a permanent fixture guaranteeing access, while Tehran treats that same presence as the primary obstacle to normalizing traffic.

— Chloe Taylor,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
With the sides still at an impasse in April, Li's party expelled her.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of impasse

Noun

The apparent stalemate comes as Israel still controls roughly 70% of Gaza, according to Palestinian officials and aid agencies.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
Lala Kent is an excellent addition to the cast and was the only one trying to break the Janet-versus-Bookos stalemate.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of stalemate

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dead heats

deadlock

deadlocked

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“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadlock. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deadlock

noun

Example Sentences

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