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
But that dilemma points to a deeper architectural flaw.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
That’s a dilemma for Vrabel and the front office.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
This is a classic heart-versus-head dilemma.
—Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
At the same time, Powell emphasized the boom creates a policy dilemma for the Fed.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
That’s a dilemma for Vrabel and the front office.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
This is a classic heart-versus-head dilemma.
—Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
At the same time, Powell emphasized the boom creates a policy dilemma for the Fed.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Winning the lottery is supposed to fix all of your problems, but there are some debts that are too great for the big ticket to cover.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The delicate appearance may surprise you since these blooms resist deer, have few pest and disease problems, and can grow in clay soil.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dailey also described the incident that prompted his predicament.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
5 Nov. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
White’s unpaid marker presents a quandary for Las Vegas, and particularly for the Fertittas.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This quandary was on full display in the aforementioned debate.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As always, Guy has found himself in a pickle entirely of his own making.—
Lily Osler,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In honor of National Pickle Day, the Oscar winner shared a throwback photo of himself smiling while holding up a jar of pickles — completely nude.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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