checkmate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the moment Washington forced an error by the Broncos’ defense, the Huskies called checkmate.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2025

If this is supposed to be some 4-D chess move, it looks an awful lot like checkmate — for the wrong side.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2025

Ackman presented the director’s allyship as a checkmate even though, once again, neither he nor Oxman denied any of the reporting on the substance.

From Slate • Jan. 10, 2024

"People who think that this is a chessboard and they can move a few pawns here and there and have a checkmate move at the end. This isn't going to happen," she says.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2023

“No sir. Just a friend,” I replied, nervous that he’d try to checkmate me in real life.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds