Definition of gridlocknext
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in with the White House controlled by one party and Congress by the other, the nation experienced four years of legislative gridlock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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gridlock

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verb

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 gridlock
Noun
That kind of personal stake tends to cut through the usual legislative gridlock, though the bill still needs to clear the Senate. Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 Commuters on trains and cars alike should prepare for a difficult ride home on Monday evening as severe weather, a gridlock warning and a partial Penn Station shutdown will take place during peak hours. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
Waymo's vehicles contributed to gridlock during storms and widespread power outages in San Francisco last month. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026 Waiting until the last minute can lead to gridlock on the road for you and obstruct first responders trying to get to the active fire zone. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gridlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gridlock
Noun
  • Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The pledge did not immediately satisfy hardline conservatives, who ground operations in the House to a halt last week.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
    Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Both Colombia and Switzerland had opportunities to break the deadlock, but the final, decisive movements were lacking.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, and Olise got two delightful assists with through balls for Mbappe and Barcola to finish in an emphatic second-half display.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Carlin Karr, director of wine and beverage at Stuckey’s restaurants — including Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder — believes roughly 1 in 10 wine bottles are off in taste, or corked.
    Jeremy Harlan, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
  • Public opposition to the fee helped cork the proposal.
    Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Before the impasse could be resolved, the global pandemic shuttered Toho’s cinemas and froze most of its business, and the project went into stasis.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
  • Status quo continues until a new CBA is reached or the parties reach an impasse after good-faith bargaining.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • But the estuary, which had been silting up since the 11th century, had different ideas.
    Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The rock was originally silt on the seafloor that, it's argued, hosted early microbial life that was buried by more silt, leaving the carbon as their remains.
    Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Another video showed more vehicles at a standstill at an intersection filled with people.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • Gallagher said nearly all new renewable projects across the US are at a standstill.
    Adam Burke, NPR, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • It's packed with efficacious skin care ingredients to smooth and firm mature complexions.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • England adjusted its strategy to protect its lead, packing the front of goal.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gridlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gridlock. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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