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.
In some ways, serves are the simplest shot to measure, given players start from a standstill and generally use the same technique over and over. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026 With tankers at a standstill and fuel prices climbing, the war strengthened a clean-power sales pitch. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The merger of the two media companies is at a standstill, but that doesn’t mean that development of superhero franchises at DC is on hold. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 The twist throttle is limited to 20 mph, providing another option for getting the heavy bike moving from a standstill. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standstill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standstill. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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