standstill

noun

ˈstan(d)-ˌstil How to pronounce standstill (audio)
Definition of standstillnext
as in halt
a point in a struggle where neither side is capable of winning or willing to give in battled each other to a standstill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 standstill Transportation planners say studies show growing population trends could eventually bring traffic in the corridor to a standstill during peak travel periods. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Spot rates have been soaring consistently since the start of the war in Iran in late February, which sent traffic the Strait of Hormuz to a near-standstill in the following months, rattling energy markets. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 Amid a Republican rebellion to tighten voting restrictions, the House of Representatives is at a standstill, unable to pass key pieces of legislation that keep Americans safe and the government's wheels turning. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Traffic is at a standstill beginning around Northwest 183rd Street near Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens ahead of the Portugal match against Colombia. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for standstill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standstill
halt
Noun
  • Gulf primary bond issuance came to an abrupt halt in the wake of the conflict, with corporate and sovereign bond yields jumping as geopolitical tensions escalated.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 June 2026
  • Wrangling my emotions became the difference between sputtering to a halt and moving forward.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of halt

Browse Nearby Words

stands out
standstill
standstills
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Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standstill. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on standstill

Nglish: Translation of standstill for Spanish Speakers

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