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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of catch-22
Trump is facing a catch-22 in the face of growing fissures at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and mounting departures of scientists and experts over vaccine policy.
—
Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025
And yet, these counterattacks may be ensnaring scientists in a catch-22.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
And that might have to be proactively driven by the healthcare system instead of the government — in order to break the catch-22.
—Simar Bajaj, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
Now, however, the situation is almost like a catch-22 in which everyone loses.
—Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025
And yet, these counterattacks may be ensnaring scientists in a catch-22.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
And that might have to be proactively driven by the healthcare system instead of the government — in order to break the catch-22.
—Simar Bajaj, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
Now, however, the situation is almost like a catch-22 in which everyone loses.
—Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
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Wireless systems also pose new safety risks, such as stray magnetic fields, fire hazards, and heating of metal objects, requiring further research and development (R&D) and stricter standardization.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Oddly empty flight = higher risk of cancellation.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This dilemma was inspired during lockdown, when my flatmate was listening to the audiobook of Bleak House.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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The National Gallery of London is hosting the first major exhibition of 18th-century painter Joseph Wright, whose works captured the moral dilemma of scientific progress at the dawn of the industrial age.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Pike subtly checked from a 10-yard hitch route to a go route for receiver Binns, who streaked down the sideline against press coverage to haul in a diving, game-winning touchdown in the back corner of the end zone.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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However, the primary mission of Blue Origin’s January launch — delivering a test satellite called the Blue Ring Pathfinder to orbit — went off without a hitch, prompting the company to declare the flight a success.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dailey also described the incident that prompted his predicament.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
5 Nov. 2025
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Funding predicament The CJA funding shortfall is a result of the continuing resolution that Congress approved in March, just hours before a looming shutdown, to fund the government through the end of September.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Despite the potential pitfalls, many remain undeterred by DIY challenges.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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Sandwich generation faces financial pitfalls Even though most adults don't want their aging parents to live with them, many still find themselves in that situation.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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As always, Guy has found himself in a pickle entirely of his own making.—
Lily Osler,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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In honor of National Pickle Day, the Oscar winner shared a throwback photo of himself smiling while holding up a jar of pickles — completely nude.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Lemon had a career-high 161 yards through the air and Lane’s 74 included several diving snags and one spectacular one-hander in the end zone despite tight coverage.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
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Close all zippers and fasteners to prevent snags or tears.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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An ugly opening half, which featured the teams combining for 6-of-24 shooting in the game’s first 10 minutes, saw the visiting Wildcats catch fire from beyond the arc.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
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DeVonta Smith is the top target for Hurts with 44 receptions for 588 yards and two scores, while tight end Dallas Goedert has seven TD catches.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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