Synonyms of stalemate

stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt 

1

as in halt

a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in

a new negotiator finally got both sides past the stalemate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• halt
• impasse
• deadlock
• gridlock
• standstill
• standoff
• predicament
• jam
• logjam
• dilemma
• Mexican standoff
• pickle
• problem
• quandary
• bottleneck
• bind
• quagmire
• hole
• plight
• morass
• corner
• dead end
• fix
• difficulty
• pinch
• spot

2

as in tie

a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other

after playing chess for 16 hours, we ended the game in a stalemate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tie
• draw
• standoff
• deadlock
• impasse
• dead heat
• seesaw
• horse race
• toss-up
• photo finish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stalemate

After a similar stalemate in 2019, Israel held five elections in 3 1/2 years. — Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

How can the opposition undermine Netanyahu during this stalemate? — Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

In theory, the war’s descent into a painful stalemate should open the door to diplomatic outcomes. — Allison Minor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Adding to the uncertainty, Israel's election appeared headed for a political stalemate, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, securing a clear path to a governing majority. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026