Find Antonyms

checkmate Antonyms

Opposite of checkmate

Because the opposite of checkmate shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

A complete and decisive defeat, or a situation in which someone's plans or actions are totally thwarted.

Usage Example

"The unexpected testimony served as a legal triumph to the defense's entire strategy."

Strong
triumph
victory

• verb (Context 2)

To outmaneuver, frustrate, or completely defeat an opponent or their plans.

Usage Example

"The investigative journalist's latest report effectively checkmated the corrupt administration."

Strong
abet
facilitate

Similar words to checkmate

Words similar to checkmate shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

mate
thwart
foil
outmaneuver
defeat
outwit
stymie
rout
See all synonyms of checkmate

• Nearby Words

checker
checkered
checking
checkmate
checkout
cheek
cheekily

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Checkmate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/checkmate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.