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
The original existentialists, all those lovely, gallant, puffing-their-ciggies Parisian men and women, were very happy for everything to be a dilemma.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2025
Her bi-monthly AI Logs column explores the latest trends, breakthroughs, and ethical dilemmas in AI, delivering expert analysis and fresh insights.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
Economists often refer to such situations as a prisoner’s dilemma, in which individuals, businesses, or countries could theoretically benefit from coöperating with one another but also have, or are presented with, incentives to act selfishly and cut their own deals.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The financial uncertainty has created a dilemma for Berkeley.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
James Parker, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2025
Her bi-monthly AI Logs column explores the latest trends, breakthroughs, and ethical dilemmas in AI, delivering expert analysis and fresh insights.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
Economists often refer to such situations as a prisoner’s dilemma, in which individuals, businesses, or countries could theoretically benefit from coöperating with one another but also have, or are presented with, incentives to act selfishly and cut their own deals.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The financial uncertainty has created a dilemma for Berkeley.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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The key is preparing before problems strikes, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Mild listeriosis — which can cause fever, diarrhea, or other stomach problems — gets better without treatment.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Pakistan Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his nation was hoping for more of a consensus going into Tuesday’s vote given the funding predicaments and operational issues that have dogged the MSS.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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On Tuesday afternoon, Click’s successor sat in a similar predicament.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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All those reasons, however, have a moral or ethical dimension, which in some cases leads to quite touching developments that in their way further illuminate Lost Man’s own quandary.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
19 Sep. 2025
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Plenty of other challenges and ethical quandaries will arise in the meantime.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Blind Butcher Shoppe is a favorite spot for locals hoping to bring home dinner, but their selection of artisanal pantry items like pickles, preserves, and more are worth checking out for those looking to bring an edible souvenir home.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Sep. 2025
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Whether the pickle pandemonium is a fad or not, pickles are delicious – and my chicken salad celebrates them in all their bold, sour, crunchy glory.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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