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
Relevance
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
California expects to lose federal funding from the Trump administration and state officials predict a potentially greater funding dilemma in 2026-27.
—
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
The Phillies faced a similar dilemma last year and opted to trade for outfielder Austin Hayes, but he was injured and sick before eventually being cut from the team.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Wondering if siblings can tag along to a birthday party is a relatable dilemma for many busy parents.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 June 2025
They are intoxicated but uncertain about getting back together because of their love versus luxury dilemma.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
The Phillies faced a similar dilemma last year and opted to trade for outfielder Austin Hayes, but he was injured and sick before eventually being cut from the team.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Wondering if siblings can tag along to a birthday party is a relatable dilemma for many busy parents.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 June 2025
They are intoxicated but uncertain about getting back together because of their love versus luxury dilemma.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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There are admitted problems with the program that can lead to a high percentage of incorrect filings.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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The Spanish also had a problem when two tropical storms happened on the same day, however.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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Christopher Boyle of New York County Defender Services and one of Bernier’s lawyers said anecdotally there are many others on Rikers Island in a similar predicament.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2025
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Rodriguez discussed Rose's predicament in an interview on New York City's WFAN radio last week, and made a startling claim about baseball's all-time hits leader.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Often the answer to my summertime weeknight dinner quandary is my Crispy Gnocchi Caprese.—
Alexis deBoschnek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2025
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That’s the consensus on Reddit, where people often post their quandaries to crowdsource ethics.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Stir together mayonnaise, pickle juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
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Served with baby potatoes, bread, and mixed pickles, a fondue is the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes or hiking through the valley.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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