quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of perplexity or doubt

Examples of quandary in a Sentence

Williams's quandary is not unlike that faced by other urban executives who have had to wrestle with a deeply rooted power structure. The problem is especially acute for African American mayors. They are expected to serve as sentries, protecting their cities' black communities and staving off so-called white encroachment. Jonetta Rose Barras, Washington Post, 15 June 2003
For a sticky philosophical quandary, the questions are pretty simple: am I a clerk charged with selling college degrees or am I involved in a more meaningful experience? Part of me says that no argument is more worthy of my attention. Lynne Drury Lerych, Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2001
… the inevitable economic quandary that faces a people in the transition from slavery to freedom, and especially those who make that change amid hate and prejudice, lawlessness and ruthless competition. W. E. B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers. 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 The real quandary will be what Miami’s new staff does with Tagovailoa in the offseason with his immense 2026 salary cap hit (north of $50 million). Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Because both of these feats brought Witt into mental quandaries that illustrate where his head is on milestones and where his head is going in terms of where his program is going in its third year. Brian Robin, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 Kristen Arnett weighs in on this and other literary quandaries. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quandary

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quandary was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quandary. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

quandary

noun
quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma
in a quandary about which to choose

More from Merriam-Webster on quandary

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