checkmate
1 synonym for checkmate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
In chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture.
“He achieved checkmate in just twelve moves.”
2. verb
To defeat an opponent's king so it cannot escape capture, or to put someone in an inescapable losing position.
“She checkmated her opponent in a stunning final move.”
How to use checkmate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
declare checkmate
checkmate in X moves
Etymology
From Old French eschec mat, ultimately from Persian shah mat, meaning "the king is helpless" or "the king is stunned."
Full origin of checkmate →Frequently asked questions
What does “checkmate” mean?
The word “checkmate” means in chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture. In plain terms, the chess-ending move, or, more broadly, any total and unbeatable defeat.
How do you pronounce “checkmate”?
“Checkmate” is pronounced CHEHK-mayt (/ˈt͡ʃɛkmeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “checkmate” in a sentence?
Here is “checkmate” used in a sentence: “He achieved checkmate in just twelve moves.”
What is another word for “checkmate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “checkmate” include mate.
What part of speech is “checkmate”?
Depending on how it is used, “checkmate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “checkmate” come from?
The word “checkmate” comes from Old French. From Old French eschec mat, ultimately from Persian shah mat, meaning "the king is helpless" or "the king is stunned.".
How many meanings does “checkmate” have?
“Checkmate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture.
