quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of perplexity or doubt

Examples of quandary in a Sentence

Williams's quandary is not unlike that faced by other urban executives who have had to wrestle with a deeply rooted power structure. The problem is especially acute for African American mayors. They are expected to serve as sentries, protecting their cities' black communities and staving off so-called white encroachment. Jonetta Rose Barras, Washington Post, 15 June 2003
For a sticky philosophical quandary, the questions are pretty simple: am I a clerk charged with selling college degrees or am I involved in a more meaningful experience? Part of me says that no argument is more worthy of my attention. Lynne Drury Lerych, Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2001
… the inevitable economic quandary that faces a people in the transition from slavery to freedom, and especially those who make that change amid hate and prejudice, lawlessness and ruthless competition. W. E. B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers. I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either.
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.
The quandary is easily settled by the AI giving out lots of possibilities for why humanity is here. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 To ship or not to ship — that is the quandary of the New Moon in Leo. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 21 July 2025 Oh, and then there’s Harry Kane… Finding a way to manage the present while preventing any opportunity for Tottenham’s exciting young talents to demonstrate their qualities in the Champions League is another awkward quandary. Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 July 2025 The Issue With Playing Chris Paul In theory, Paul addresses the Clippers’ passing quandary. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quandary

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quandary was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quandary. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

quandary

noun
quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma
in a quandary about which to choose

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