checkmate 1 of 2

verb

ˈchek-ˌmāt How to pronounce checkmate (audio)
Definition of checkmatenext
as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal finally checkmated the billionaire in his attempt to take over the movie studio

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

checkmate

2 of 2

noun

as in deterrence

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 checkmate
Verb
In the playoffs, the NFL’s best defenses too often checkmated the Patriots pre-snap because Maye could not and/or did not audible into a new play. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 That was checkmate, as Martinez grounded out meekly to end the season. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Perfect Timing Of Valentine’s Day If the Boston Globe announcement was the opening move, the Valentine’s Day activation was the checkmate. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Simmons, a sophomore from Duncanville just south of Dallas, has certainly racked up his share of checkmates over the past two seasons with 20 total sacks. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for checkmate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for checkmate
  1. frustrate
  2. deterrence
  3. thwart
  4. thwarting
  5. baffle
  6. neutralization
  7. defeat
  8. baffling
Verb
  • To make matters worse, companies like Target—frustrated by an underdeveloped Southeast Asian factory ecosystem—are moving supply chains back to China.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • When a batter gets thrown out at second base for trying to turn a single into a double, fans get frustrated.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Noun
  • In today’s geopolitical landscape, information dominance is a bedrock of strategic deterrence and national defense.
    — Rohit Jha, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But their ideas will be completely at the mercy of the armed elite, who prioritize restoring deterrence and preserving enough offensive capability to hurt Iran’s adversaries.
    — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of deterrence
Verb
  • Monroe thwarted Giulia’s attempt at a move from the top turnbuckle.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In last Friday’s episode of the Outlander prequel, written by Toni Graphia and directed by Azhur Saleem, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) rallies the women of her clan to thwart a surprise attack on Castle Leoch.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of thwart
Noun
  • To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The attack’s thwarting was an undeniable success.
    — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of thwarting
Verb
  • Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • Antonelli and Verstappen pitted during the neutralization, after they had been put on medium tires during the red flag, with Russell left out on the hards he had been given for the restart.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The current process requires two hour-long chemical treatments at 60 degrees and 90 degrees Celsius, respectively, along with multiple rinsing, soaping and neutralization steps.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of neutralization
Verb
  • Newsom defeated the recall attempt after nearly 62% voted to keep him in office.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Raiders rallied from a two-score deficit to defeat the New Orleans Saints 35-27, also improving to 3-0.
    — Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Noun
  • Those who knew me found this baffling.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026
  • That said, the good outweighs the baffling.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of baffling

Browse Nearby Words

checklists
checkmate
checkmated
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Cite this Entry

“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/checkmate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on checkmate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about checkmate

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