dead-end 1 of 2

verb

ˈded-ˈend How to pronounce dead-end (audio)
Definition of dead-endnext
as in to end
to come to an end after several fruitless years, the research seems to have simply dead-ended

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dead end

2 of 2

noun

1
as in high road

Related Words
2
as in dilemma

Related 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 dead-end
Verb
The pursuit came to an end in a dead-end neighborhood after a deputy conducted a PIT maneuver, the sheriff’s office said. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026 Turning from Howard Street, drivers could easily think Hamilton is just a squalid dead-end or a route to more decay. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
Scientists don’t know why some species seem to adapt well to these changes, while for others polyploidy is a dead end. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 That is why the search for a perfect definition has always been a dead end. — Jeff Degraff, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dead-end
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead-end
  1. end
  2. high road
  3. dilemma
  4. stop
  5. close
  6. corner
  7. halt
  8. road
Verb
  • Letter writer second-guesses history of avoidant behavior after one phone argument ends a decades-long friendship.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In a shocking upset, a student movement resoundingly beat longtime Serbian leader President Aleksandar Vucic, ending his time in power after 14 years.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of end
Noun
  • Bolanle rises above it all, taking the moral high road every time.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In anticipation of high road traffic on game day, local officials will extend the closure of Tasman Drive.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of high road
Noun
  • That dilemma will not go away as long as Ukraine’s own infrastructure is exposed to attack.
    — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
  • For Palestinian citizens of Israel, however, the country’s national ballots pose more of a dilemma.
    — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of dilemma
Verb
  • Luigi Carbone, Pope Leo XIV's physician, said the pontiff's recovery from lung cancer surgery won't stop plans for a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru involving a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Another to stop solving problems his team brings him and teach them to solve it instead.
    — Ben Plomion, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of stop
Noun
  • Nucor , Celestica , Cadence Design Systems , and Amkor Technology report after Monday's close.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As the night ended with some of the acts’ most fervent fans, the 2026 installment of Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians came to a close.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of close
Noun
  • Local Halloween shops were opening on every corner, and Party City was [at the time] the main destination.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Wembanyama made a three-point play inside, Julian Champagnie hit a corner 3, and Wembanyama elevated to convert a pass from Stephon Castle into dunk while getting fouled.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of corner
Verb
  • After fumbling twice in Michigan State territory, halting offensive momentum, the Bruins were trailing going into the second quarter and tied 7-7 with three minutes left in the second quarter.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The guests seemed less upset by the death than by the news that their infusions would be halted.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of halt
Noun
  • The rear tire plays a different role from its conventional use on roads.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The trip to Seattle began a stretch of six road games in eight weeks.
    — Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of road

Browse Nearby Words

deaden
dead-end
dead end
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Cite this Entry

“Dead-end.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead-end. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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