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
This deal ends a yearslong impasse, as officers have been working under an expired contract for over three years.
—
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
But with numerous polls showing more voters blame Trump and Republicans for the impasse — and indicating strong support for extending the ACA health insurance subsidies — Democrats mostly haven’t budged.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Since the last vote in the House, Republicans have canceled 14 days of legislative business -- including four days this week -- as the impasse drags on.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025
Similar sticking points have led to impasses in the separate negotiation processes, now requiring a third party to assist with mediation and fact-finding.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
But with numerous polls showing more voters blame Trump and Republicans for the impasse — and indicating strong support for extending the ACA health insurance subsidies — Democrats mostly haven’t budged.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Since the last vote in the House, Republicans have canceled 14 days of legislative business -- including four days this week -- as the impasse drags on.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025
Similar sticking points have led to impasses in the separate negotiation processes, now requiring a third party to assist with mediation and fact-finding.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
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One loose bolt or misplaced screw is enough to grind the entire contraption to a halt.—
Robert Mays,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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The Brit was looking to cement his status after a blistering 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, but his night came to a sudden halt before the opening round could conclude.—
Antonio Losada,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The work chronicles Pan Am’s predicament during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the flying boat service the carrier had in the Pacific.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
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The city’s current trash predicament traces back to Measure B, a city ballot measure passed in 2022 that ended the decades-long practice of San Diego providing free trash service to single-family homes and many small townhome and apartment complexes.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for reform of the Security Council's permanent members in his annual statement on the anniversary of the United Nations charter, arguing that the current establishment excludes key global voices and suffers from too many deadlocks.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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As Monaco ramped up the second-half pressure, with Spurs seemingly having no answer for the pace and fervour with which the Ligue 1 side attacked Frank’s defence from all angles, Netherlands international Teze looked set to break the deadlock.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With its iconic captains, philosophical dilemmas and unforgettable alien encounters, the Trek universe is rich with lore, logic, and a whole lot of technobabble.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
19 Oct. 2025
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Charles’ dilemma was one perhaps unique to royals.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What To Know Newsom's announcement Wednesday came as the federal government shutdown entered its fourth week, with Republicans and Democrats in Congress still at a stalemate over how to reopen the government, bring back federal workers, and restart services.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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The federal government shutdown has continued for 22 days amid a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Remember when Tyreek Hill was drinking pickle juice during a 2020 Chiefs game?—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 Oct. 2025
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Mixed with celery, red onions, peas, lemon juice and sweet pickles the pasta salad is delicious with just a few effortless ingredients.—
Sofia DiStefano,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The lore behind one of Louisville's favorite hole in the wall restaurants begins with a gift.—
Amanda Hancock,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
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Although the brain itself has no pain receptors, Bacon was given local anesthetic to numb her scalp and skull, as doctors made holes half the size of a small coin in her skull and implanted the stimulating electrodes inside.—
Elmira Aliieva,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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