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

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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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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 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

Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
When used alone after surgery to reduce the risk that melanoma returns, Keytruda is given every three to six weeks for up to a year.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

This creates a dilemma for submitters, who must decide whether to use AI to write or rewrite their materials to gain an advantage, despite rules against it.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
While synthetic alternatives solve the ethical dilemma, many of them are plastic-based and very difficult to recycle.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

The only hitch was that the move to Juventus broke down, leaving Suzuki and Martinez in the same squad.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Wang hopes that SharkNinja will continue to ease American consumer friction long into the future, and that his Chinese nationality won’t be a hitch.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hitch

Noun

Freebairn said an old pickle jar can hold a starter, and an ordinary bowl can substitute for a proofing basket.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
The kitchen’s electrical oven roasts them during the daytime; they’re then chilled and served cold, with hot sauce, a ramekin of mayonnaise, and a pile of pickle spears.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of pickle

Noun

Either way, plans could hit a logistical snag, leaving you no choice but to reconsider the entire thing.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
But by the summer, when the company had sought to begin producing the earbuds, supply chain and software snags led Apple to postpone the product until 2027, Bloomberg reported in mid-June.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of snag

Noun

New injury news Among the players not participating Saturday was rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who had 11 catches for 109 yards in his first two preseason games.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Maclin showed up massively on Saturday, with an outstanding 37-yard catch to set the table for a touchdown in the first half, and then a 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the second half.

— Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 23 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch-22

noun

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