Synonyms of dilemma

dilemma

noun

də-ˈle-mə 

1

as in problem

a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices

faced with a dilemma of whether to risk continuing to drive in the dangerous storm or to give up searching for the lost dog and hope he survived

Synonyms & Similar Words

• problem
• quandary
• difficulty
• double bind
• pickle
• catch-22
• predicament
• impasse
• deadlock
• quagmire
• plight
• stalemate
• standoff
• bind
• fix
• jam
• pinch
• knot
• spot
• hole

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breeze
• snap
• cinch
• duck soup

2

as in predicament

a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape

with home prices in a free fall, sellers were in a terrible dilemma

Synonyms & Similar Words

• predicament
• pickle
• hole
• bind
• difficulty
• swamp
• corner
• crisis
• jam
• impasse
• quagmire
• box
• plight
• fix
• rabbit hole
• spot
• mire
• catch-22
• trouble
• quandary
• sticky wicket
• jackpot
• kettle of fish
• rattrap
• hot water
• soup
• node
• emergency
• deadlock
• crossroad
• pinch
• standstill
• strait
• stalemate
• exigency
• halt
• juncture
• clutch
• logjam
• scrape

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dilemma

The Phillies' victory exacerbated the Mets' trade dilemma, potentially leaving them stuck with expensive, underperforming assets. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

And the author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and You Shall Know Our Velocity might have seemed especially well suited to take on this dilemma with formal risk. — Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

The dilemma came amid financial woes at Western Hills Water District. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Garber’s contract runs through the end of 2027, which in itself presents an interesting dilemma. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026