1
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in
in their bitter custody battle, the divorcing couple are at a total impasse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the impossible impasse faced by those who opposed the war but did not want to seem disloyal to the troops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impasse
As lawmakers and the White House look to break the impasse, here are five things to know about the shutdown.
—
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
Though the impasse has revolved around immigration enforcement, the shutdown will impact other agencies under DHS' umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Currently, if contract talks hit an impasse, the five county supervisors can, after a complex mediation process, impose a final offer.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The timing couldn’t be more pertinent with the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US taking place in Abu Dhabi this week in a bid to break the impasse and bring an end to the conflict.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
Though the impasse has revolved around immigration enforcement, the shutdown will impact other agencies under DHS' umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Currently, if contract talks hit an impasse, the five county supervisors can, after a complex mediation process, impose a final offer.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The timing couldn’t be more pertinent with the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US taking place in Abu Dhabi this week in a bid to break the impasse and bring an end to the conflict.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
-
But Ukraine’s successes came to a halt after the liberation of Kherson in November 2022.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And given that two cops are already sniffing around the Redfellows’ sudden propensity for premature expiration, Becket finds himself in quite a predicament.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
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Trump lamented how Mountbatten-Windsor’s predicament would affect Charles, who is expected to visit the US this year, likely in April.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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Mohamed Amoura broke the deadlock for Wolfsburg early in the second half after Adam Daghim surged past Max Finkgräfe and Nicolas Seiwald before laying the ball back.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the resolution to this dilemma ends up somewhat easy, the film remains an alluring liberal power fantasy about challenging systems from within.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
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Compared with the ostensible consequences of the prisoner’s dilemma, getting fleeced in the snowdrift problem’s scenario isn’t quite as disastrous.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The stalemate continues and, as the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine continues to struggle along the frontlines.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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The White House has said the State of the Union speech will continue ahead as scheduled even though the Department of Homeland Security will likely remain in a partial government shutdown amid a funding stalemate in Congress.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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To flavor this dish, use the classic potato salad ingredients, including yellow mustard, pickle relish, and hot sauce.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
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Those interested in home cooking may want to sign up for learning The Art of Pickling with Chef Lex at Haberdish, a $47 class including lite bites for snacking, two 32-ounce glass jars of custom pickles and take-home recipe cards.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The day before, Bridgeman matched the tournament’s 54-hole scoring record of 194 set four years ago by Joaquin Niemann, who went on to shoot even par in the final round to win by two strokes at 19 under.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Another bunker on 17, turning a birdie hole into a par.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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