1
as in halts
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 ties
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
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Recent Examples of stalemates
Another reason is that the federal government is now viewed by many as so routinely dysfunctional that budget stalemates are seen as just one more example of a broader breakdown.
—
Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The stalemates were the latest in the finger-pointing between Democrats and Republicans over who was responsible for the prolonged shutdown.
—Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Netanyahu once shunned long wars and ground operations, aware of the cost and political capital that resulted in indecisive conclusions or stalemates.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The stalemates were the latest in the finger-pointing between Democrats and Republicans over who was responsible for the prolonged shutdown.
—Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Netanyahu once shunned long wars and ground operations, aware of the cost and political capital that resulted in indecisive conclusions or stalemates.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalemates
Noun
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The abrupt disruption resulted in chip shortages and production halts at several automakers.—
Sarah Jacob,
Bloomberg,
14 Jan. 2026
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Conflict in Yemen has prompted air traffic halts — leaving about 600 tourists stranded on a remote island.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Experts say that most likely doesn't presage military clashes, but is intended to advance a broader effort to assert a more forceful regional role backed by Kim's nuclear arsenal and ties with Moscow and Beijing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
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The Clintons previously objected to testifying before Congress about their ties to the late financier, but ultimately acquiesced to Comer’s subpoena.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some of the money is frozen due to budgetary or legal impasses.—
Caio Delcolli,
IndieWire,
26 Nov. 2025
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Such impasses typically end when one party decides the political costs of keeping the government closed outweigh the concessions of opening it.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Perhaps an element of nostalgia emerging for Champions League draws of the past is a sign that human beings can never really be happy and will always find something to complain about.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The varied trail options and the mountain's expansiveness are huge draws for snow-sports enthusiasts.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Having killed Downey, Amos cuts one of his deadlocks and puts it in Axel’s little red book.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
3 Dec. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Stalemates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemates. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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