GORDIAN KNOT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Gordian knot

noun

Definition of Gordian knot

as in hot water

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Gordian knot The property tax has long been Connecticut’s Gordian knot, a seemingly intractable problem that overburdens middle- and low-income households, stymies business growth and creates great K-12 education disparities between cities and suburbs. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026 This is a perpetual paradox in films dealing with subjects such as child abuse, however, and is not a Gordian knot that a single film can be expected to unravel. — Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 The new mayor is also looking to reform the city’s property-tax system, a Gordian knot that no mayor has been able to successfully untangle, which would help reduce landlords’ costs. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 30 Jan. 2026 The decisive opportunity—and the most formidable challenge—resides within the Gordian knot of healthcare operations. — Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 If there’s a way to cut this Gordian knot, Pelly hasn’t found it, but then, neither has anyone else. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 Nuclear power has gained momentum this year as a possible solution to this Gordian knot. — Rob Toews, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Gordian knot

Noun

The latest allegations surfaced from Miller’s divorce from Emily Moreno and include physical and emotional abuse of their toddler as well as throwing hot water at his wife and other acts of violence.

— Max Rivera, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
According to court filings, Moreno alleged that Miller had previously thrown hot water at her and held a gun to her head.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of hot water

Noun

That in itself is one of the reasons the Tigers entered the days leading up to the deadline facing a challenging crux.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
The unimaginable stress put on their longtime friendship by the adrenaline-pumping fight-or-flight situation effectively becomes the emotional crux of the movie.

— Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of crux

Noun

The sticky wicket, which has been the stickiest for AI-tech megacaps, is investor angst around capital expenditures and a sluggish pace of return that could send the stock on a nosedive.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Of philosophy’s many sticky wickets, consciousness is perhaps the most perplexing.

— Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025