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
Example Sentences
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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 automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.
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Since prolonged production halts can cause permanent damage to oil wells, shutting them down is typically a last resort.
Noun
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The complaint also identifies several defendants as having ties to the Christian Zheng Sheng Association, a Hong Kong charity whose founder, Jacob Lam Hay-sing, is wanted by Hong Kong police in an unrelated criminal investigation.
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Together, the trees serve as a living reminder that Sacramento’s sister city program extends beyond official ceremonies and diplomatic visits, celebrating the cultural and community ties that have connected the capital with cities around the world for more than 60 years.
Noun
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The second chapter intertwines misfortune and impasses.
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The Senate unanimously approved a resolution to withhold lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns, aiming to encourage faster resolution of federal budget impasses after record-breaking closures.
Noun
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New Zealand, however, also got three draws at the 2010 World Cup and was eliminated.
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Uruguay has had two games already, and both ended in draws.
Noun
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Having killed Downey, Amos cuts one of his deadlocks and puts it in Axel’s little red book.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Stalemates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalemates. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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