deadlock

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 Anthropic, according to a story in The Atlantic, was particularly concerned about the Pentagon using its technology for this kind of analysis and that its insistence on curtailing that use case was one of the major stumbling blocks to breaking its deadlock with the DOW. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026 After a couple of months of deadlock with Board votes reaching a 3-3 tie in Salem’s absence, the Board in January finally broke that deadlock and gave preliminary approval to close Kingsley Elementary School. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 Any emotional deadlock with someone close should pass in just hours. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Taiwan’s leader, who is looking to pass a $40 billion special military budget, warned that a legislative deadlock over the funds could push Taipei down on the US’ priority list. Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadlock
Noun
  • The LeMans pulls to a halt right where the camera can look through the open passenger window.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Concerns over oil prices have remained elevated this week, as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz ground to a halt due to the threat of Iranian attacks on vessels.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After bargaining talks toward a new contract had reached an impasse, the union voted in January to authorize a strike.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Anderson says the men have reached an impasse and is asking a judge to dissolve their business connections.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Fortunately, a stalemate was broken that same day, albeit a temporary one.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The same party won an election in February 2025 but could not muster a parliamentary majority, which led to a stalemate and snap vote in December.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadlock. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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