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
With data simultaneously showing a weakening employment picture and a stubborn price growth, the Fed faces a dilemma.
—
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
The only way to understand the thought process of the most prominent founders is to inhabit that dilemma.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Real quick Columbia and other institutions of higher learning have a First Amendment dilemma.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, this is a dilemma with several solutions.
—Kat Boogaard, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
The only way to understand the thought process of the most prominent founders is to inhabit that dilemma.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Real quick Columbia and other institutions of higher learning have a First Amendment dilemma.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Fortunately, this is a dilemma with several solutions.
—Kat Boogaard, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
For a writer of a book that’s politically informed and deals with culture and history, this creates a big problem.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
That solves a lot of problems, a lot of ills of society.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Funding predicament The CJA funding shortfall is a result of the continuing resolution that Congress approved in March, just hours before a looming shutdown, to fund the government through the end of September.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
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And as of this July, 58% of Gen Z students globally who finished college in the past year were still trying to find stable work, compared to 25% of millennials and Gen Xers who faced the same predicament.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This quandary was on full display in the aforementioned debate.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
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Sigg’s story –– told to CNN and shared here for the first time publicly –– highlights the quandary faced by parents whose children carry out or are suspected of committing high-profile, violent crimes.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To get the Benny Blanco drink, customers could add cherry flavor and pickles.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Blue Jays reliever Seranthony Dominguez got into a pickle of his own in the 10th inning.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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