Thesaurus results for STALEMATE

stalemate

noun

ˈstāl-ˌmāt

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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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stalemate The rise in aerial attacks by both sides comes amid a relative stalemate on the ground. —

Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2026 However, ever since the 2001 benefit increase there’s been a political stalemate, pitting employers against unions. —

Dan Walters, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 Sylvie and Suzanna lock into a stalemate on the subject until Sylvie finally permits a nun named Sister Claudine to shuttle the girl between Manhattan and Hillcrest. —

Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 The United States need not choose between accepting stalemate, providing aid to Ukraine indefinitely, or escalating directly against Russian forces. —

David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalemate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemate

Noun

As Russia’s advance stalls, Ukraine boosts long-range strikes After a series of gains last year, Russia’s advances along the over 600-mile front line have ground to a near halt recently, and Ukraine’s armed forces have launched successful counterstrikes and reclaimed some ground.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
The painstaking work of clearing depots has ground to a halt, overtaken by a more volatile reality.

— Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026