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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
That contradiction—between law enforcement scrutiny and diplomatic engagement—underscores the dilemma facing Washington.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
However, Nadella offers a fix to that productivity dilemma, calling on business leaders to adopt a new approach to knowledge work by shifting workflows to match the structural design of AI.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
But one skin dilemma that’s stumping even me is why everyone thinks their skin looks so dull right now.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Iran’s protest crackdown — which analysts say was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history — has created a dilemma for Gulf powers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
However, Nadella offers a fix to that productivity dilemma, calling on business leaders to adopt a new approach to knowledge work by shifting workflows to match the structural design of AI.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
But one skin dilemma that’s stumping even me is why everyone thinks their skin looks so dull right now.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Iran’s protest crackdown — which analysts say was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history — has created a dilemma for Gulf powers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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The problem is that no instrument can directly measure magnetic fields in those layers.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
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Interestingly, Senior Bowl players said NIL money doesn’t cause problems in most cases.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Young is one of a number of players who find themselves in this predicament, star-level talents whose production, in one way, shape or form, falls short of the cost of doing business.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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Then Culhane’s hat finds itself in a similar predicament.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Elena Rybakina turned off the heat on a bubbling comeback from Sabalenka to win the 2026 Australian Open title 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and to crystallize the tennis quandary in which Sabalenka finds herself.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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In both Landman and Goliath, Thornton’s characters are flawed anti-heroes who struggle with substance abuse and the moral quandaries of doing what’s right.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Athletic’s Matt Burrows wrote about how pickle juice shooters are used to target nerves that cause cramping instead of the muscle itself for quick relief.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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Starters include Classic Deviled Eggs or Fried Pickles with buttermilk dressing, followed by entrée choices like the Shed Burger—topped with American and Swiss cheese, onion jam, lettuce, tomato and Shed Sauce—or a Chicken Sandwich with habanero honey and pickles.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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