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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stalemate
Wednesday’s dour stalemate with Leeds United at Anfield represented a wretched start to 2026.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Last year, the North avoided its first loss since 2015 by rallying from an eight-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining in the contest to forge a 14-14 tie, the first stalemate in the history of the Spanos Classic.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
With a near-stalemate on the battlefield, Ukraine says Russia aims to destabilize it from within by attacking civilians.
—Yuliia Dysa, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Now Thune will likely have to contend with another Senate debate on health care policy, something that resulted in a stalemate last week when dueling Democratic and Republican plans to address skyrocketing health care costs both failed to secure the 60 votes needed to advance.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Last year, the North avoided its first loss since 2015 by rallying from an eight-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining in the contest to forge a 14-14 tie, the first stalemate in the history of the Spanos Classic.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
With a near-stalemate on the battlefield, Ukraine says Russia aims to destabilize it from within by attacking civilians.
—Yuliia Dysa, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Now Thune will likely have to contend with another Senate debate on health care policy, something that resulted in a stalemate last week when dueling Democratic and Republican plans to address skyrocketing health care costs both failed to secure the 60 votes needed to advance.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalemate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate
Noun
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Advocates are also calling on Congress to intervene to put a halt to ICE arrests.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
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The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel.—
Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Boston College’s Grace Campbell (32 saves) was stellar as well, allowing just McGathey’s goal in the first period before a 14-save second carried a 1-1 tie into the third.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
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Authorities have not revealed any motive for the killing, but court documents indicate the case has significant ties to local drug sales.—
Tom Olsen,
Twin Cities,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That impasse ended in late October 2025, when Charles ordered his brother to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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Status quo continues until there is a new agreement or there’s an impasse in negotiations.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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Two days of major money Florida Lottery draw games provided major money happiness to only one person.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Batherson had yet another chance to break the deadlock later in the same powerplay, but found the far post with a wide open net in front of him.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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That lead did not last, as Hagans created another deadlock just 44 seconds before the break, scoring from between the circles to forge a 4-4 tie after two stanzas of play.—
Tris Wykes,
Twin Cities,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stalemate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemate. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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