standstill

noun

stand·​still ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
Synonyms of standstillnext
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : stop
brought traffic to a standstill

Synonyms of standstill

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Examples of standstill in a Sentence

The accident brought traffic to a standstill. battled each other to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fire broke out near Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air and bringing northbound traffic to a standstill. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 High schoolers chanted, holding cardboard signs and joining hands with soixante-huitards – May 1968 protesters who once helped bring the country to a standstill in their calls for change. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 The threat that the Houthis could bring another critical maritime chokepoint to a standstill, much like Iran has done with the Strait of Hormuz, could give Tehran significant leverage in its negotiations with Washington. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Videos on social media showed traffic at a standstill on a highway leading out of Gulf Shores, where double-red beach flags signaled water access was closed. — R.j. Rico, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standstill

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standstill was in 1702

Phrases Containing standstill

Rhymes for standstill

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Browse Nearby Words

stand/stick out a mile
standstill
stand surety
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Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still -ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state marked by absence of motion or activity : stop
traffic was at a standstill

Medical Definition

standstill

noun
stand·​still ˈstand-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
: a state characterized by absence of motion or of progress : arrest
cardiac standstill
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