Thesaurus results for IMPASSE

impasse

noun

ˈim-ˌpas

Definition of impasse

as in halt

a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in in their bitter custody battle, the divorcing couple are at a total impasse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in predicament

a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape the impossible impasse faced by those who opposed the war but did not want to seem disloyal to the troops

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 impasse But discussions reached an impasse earlier this month, according to a statement shared on Monday by the Indigenous Conservation Council of the Chesapeake Bay, a consortium of all seven tribes, at a program committee meeting. — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 That impasse turned ugly, and truth be told, the relationship was never the same between Johansen and management. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The impasse prompted Martin to look beyond the Beatles’ usual instrumental palette. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Reddington had to talk around this impasse, badgering Clancy’s providers about matters such as their use of telemedicine, as though this wasn’t standard practice. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impasse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impasse

Noun

The government that came soon after brought it all to a screeching, heavily consequential halt.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
But ongoing deportations from the United States threaten to bring these transfers, which are a lifeline for the country’s economy and its people, to a halt.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of halt

Noun

The election late Tuesday was a significant moment in a political crisis in the small Balkan nation that has caused legislative deadlock for over 19 months and two early parliamentary elections.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
French budget deadlock The unrest in France has highlighted and intensified the economic and political challenges facing the country.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of deadlock

Noun

But aspects such as strong characters, emotional investment, aspirational and authentic journeys, contemporary tensions, real moral dilemmas and complex relationships are what keep you there.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
More broadly, the premiere sets up a deepening of Common Side Effects’ many dilemmas.

— Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

The Gulf is entering a costly new era of accommodating Iran, regardless of whether Tehran and Washington break their stalemate.

— Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
High fuel prices and an Iran war stalemate give Europe an incentive to try to help end the conflict.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stalemate

Noun

Garlic confit, turkey deli meat, pickles, jalapeño marinade, pesto and an unknown sauce were held past seven days in the walk-in cooler.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Its chicken salad scoop options include Olivia’s Old South (sweet pickles and egg), Jalapeño Holly, Nutty Nanna (with pecans and cashews) and Barbie Q.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of pickle

Noun

In the 1980s, when Parisian fashion was all power shoulders and cinched waists, a group of Japanese designers arrived with black clothes, asymmetry, holes and new silhouettes.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of hole

Browse Nearby Words

impassable

impasse

impasses

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Style

“Impasse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impasse. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impasse

noun

Example Sentences

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