quandary

noun quan·da·ry \ ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of quandary

plural quandaries

: a state of perplexity or doubt

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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 of quandary from the Web

The Crimson Tide will rebuild and reload behind a new cast of characters, with the only question plaguing Nick Saban and his staff the potential quarterback quandary between sophomore Tua Tagovailoa and junior Jalen Hurts.

— paul myerberg, USA TODAY, "College football's post-spring outlook: Favorite, dark horse, also-ran for each conference," 3 May 2018
Kayla Epstein of The Washington Post related to the quandary.

— baltimoresun.com, "How do you pronounce Rod Rosenstein's last name?," 2 May 2018
The quandary for Bellerin will be to reel in his electric dashed down the United left, keeping Sanchez as his bedfellow for the majority of the 90 minutes at Old Trafford.

— SI.com, "Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battle, Team News & More," 28 Apr. 2018
The advisory board will work on recommendations for the financial quandaries.

— brittany wallman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Tax increases possible in Fort Lauderdale," 25 Apr. 2018
Perhaps no example underscores the college-sports quandary better than that of Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton.

— alex putterman, The Atlantic, "The NCAA Is Facing a Crossroads," 22 Mar. 2018
That quandary has left an industry typically aligned together on policy issues divided on tactics and sending mixed signals about its position.

— john d. mckinnon, WSJ, "Senate Likely to Pass Bill Limiting Websites’ Immunity in Sex-Trafficking Cases," 17 Mar. 2018
This puts coaches in a quandary, because college football coaches plan their schedules around high school spring football practices to evaluate prospects.

— richard obert, azcentral, "With teacher walkout looming, AIA moving forward with high school state tournaments," 20 Apr. 2018
Riders grapple with their angst over American politics and reckon with their own loneliness or existential quandaries.

— martine powers, Washington Post, "This play is literally underground, and it digs deep into the lives of Metro riders," 14 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quandary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.