as in dilemma
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quandary
Unsurprisingly, our case-of-the-week has something to say about this quandary.
—
Noel Murray, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for quandary
Noel Murray, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for quandary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quandary
dilemma
Noun
-
Pay attention, however, and the connection between Mary and Boo becomes more tender as their dilemma deepens, as does the relationship between Mary and her well-meaning, if totally embarrassing, mom.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026
-
This feels like an apt dilemma to invoke while critiquing a book about an editor.—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quandary. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
