1
as in risk
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the drug lowers cholesterol, but the catch-22 is that it mainly lowers good cholesterol
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in dilemma
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the catch-22 faced by every first-time loan applicant: how to get a loan without a credit history
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in problem
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
an environmental catch-22: building wind farms results in scenic eyesores; not building wind farms results in greater pollution from fossil fuels
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 catch-22
And yet, these counterattacks may be ensnaring scientists in a catch-22.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
Now, however, the situation is almost like a catch-22 in which everyone loses.
—Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Indeed, the Oscar winner describes the catch-22 dance of needing to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild to get work, but also needing to have worked to be admitted into the Screen Actors Guild in the first place.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 24 June 2025
The catch-22 is that suiting up through the pain has probably decelerated the recovery process.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
Now, however, the situation is almost like a catch-22 in which everyone loses.
—Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Indeed, the Oscar winner describes the catch-22 dance of needing to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild to get work, but also needing to have worked to be admitted into the Screen Actors Guild in the first place.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 24 June 2025
The catch-22 is that suiting up through the pain has probably decelerated the recovery process.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
-
The fire risk is related to a problem with the engine starter, which can affect cars that are both parked and in motion, according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
-
They are designed to protect homes and businesses against the type of winter storms that have severely flooded the low-lying community of Alviso multiple times with water up to 6 feet deep and which are posing more risk as sea level rises due to climate change.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That means having to resolve a strategic dilemma in China.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Chase Infiniti’s breakout performance has generated significant word-of-mouth but positioning her in lead leaves more room for co-stars Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall in supporting roles, and less of a chance of a classic vote-splitting dilemma that has derailed campaigns in the past.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the campaign rally, everything appears to be going off without a hitch.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
-
My first story time went off without a hitch.—
Nina West
September 24,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
On Tuesday afternoon, Click’s successor sat in a similar predicament.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Maze was also concerned about federal civil rights pitfalls that can come with doing immigration work, such as potential racial-profiling lawsuits.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
-
To become a popular creator is akin to striking it rich one day out of the blue, with all of the benefits but also all of the pitfalls.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
This isn't the first time the snag of a home run ball has topped headlines this season.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Developers have yet to break ground, while people familiar with the matter in the UAE, Nairobi, and Washington catalog problems with the project, extending from grand geopolitics to quotidian financial snags.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Class of 2026 receiver out of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High in Massachusetts had one of the most impressive catches of the week.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The catch was Waller’s second of the game and only the first of two touchdowns.—
David Wilson,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share