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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impasse
Coufal is frustrated that talks over a new deal have reached an impasse, there is uncertainty over the futures of Edson Alvarez, Konstantious Mavropanos and Lucas Paqueta, while promising midfielder George Earthy, who is on loan at Championship side Bristol City, has a year remaining on his deal.
—
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul’s misgivings haven’t yet resulted in an impasse.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The property owner has been at an impasse with the Del Mar planning department over local zoning laws for more than two years.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
The shutdown occurred over an impasse on funding for Mr. Trump's border wall during his first term.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul’s misgivings haven’t yet resulted in an impasse.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The property owner has been at an impasse with the Del Mar planning department over local zoning laws for more than two years.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
The shutdown occurred over an impasse on funding for Mr. Trump's border wall during his first term.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impasse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse
Noun
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The Celtics outscored it 30-18 as the Magic’s offense ground to a halt.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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Zero visibility strategy: 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,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But the Orioles’ predicament is not all that complicated.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Now he’s found himself in the very same predicament that DeSantis once did.—
Drew Nelles,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deadlock spares Nichols, again, from a death sentence.—
Todd Pendleton,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Davison broke that deadlock with a tough driving layup.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deep-sea mining dilemma Deep-sea mining isn’t a new idea.—
Christian Elliott,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
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The couple faces a spiritual and cultural dilemma: proceed with the ritual or risk divine consequences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But its story is broadly informed by the systemic conditions that have led to the stalemate between the medical community and the government.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
16 Apr. 2025
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The group ran through a number of ideas, according to a source, none of which would be a silver bullet to breaking the stalemate.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Tomato slices are slipping out, pickles are disappearing and the bread can get soggy. Build a better burger like this: Toast the bun.—
Joe Difazio,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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The chicken sandwich is served with coleslaw, pickles and a house sauce on a brioche bun.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For nearly three years the school shunned NIL and refused to adjust the admissions process for potential transfers, digging itself a sizable hole.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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Patching a drywall hole is a quick, affordable DIY task that anyone can do.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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