CATCH-22 Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

catch-22

noun

ˈkach-ˌtwen-tē-ˈtü

Definition of catch-22

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

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

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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

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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 The Catch-22 Blocking a Cure There is no cure for endometriosis. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026 There’s a catch-22 for April stargazers. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 The court’s decision left medical professionals in a Catch-22. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 In response, Epstein suggests Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities, Theodore Dreiser’s The Financier, and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch-22

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22

Noun

By applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, reapplying throughout the day and pairing it with other forms of sun protection, Mercer said people can reduce their risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer.

— Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Stock market offerings worth $50 billion could flood the Indian markets this year, though the continuation of the Iran war remains a key risk.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Their receiver’s probably never seen an actual hitch put into it.

— Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of hitch

Noun

The tension between the various competing interests is handled with nuance and without taking sides, all while showing both the pitfalls and the wondrous potential of this annual spectacle.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The nightcap for this dance party of an album takes an honest look at the unforeseen pitfalls and points where success was not a certainty.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of pitfall

Noun

Shoved in a corner was an adult-size pickle costume by the designer who made Katy Perry’s Super Bowl halftime-show sharks.

— Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
The project includes everything from videos of an Indigenous musician performing a song about water in the Tongva language to brothers worrying about the future of their family’s 60-year-old pickle business in the face of gentrification.

— Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Definition of pickle

Noun

SpaceX has caught Super Heavy three times to date, but it's been a while; the last such snag came on Flight 8 in March 2025.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 July 2026
Not securing the zippers, ties, or buttons on your duvet cover before washing—these can get tangled or snag.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

Definition of snag

Noun

Clark made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone to trim Sierra Canyon’s lead to 21-14 with about nine minutes left.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 19 July 2026
His 34 career receptions (all from last season) are a mere 561 shy of Kittle, who also has 52 touchdown career catches.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Definition of catch

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catch

catch-22

catch-22's

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“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch-22

noun

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