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
In a catch-22, until the company is able to reduce its coal dependency, analysts expect its performance in the short- to medium-term to continue being dictated by coal-price movement.
—
Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s an interesting catch-22 in this movie.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
California is also in danger of creating an energy catch-22 whereby the push to go green could hobble the state’s clean power efforts.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025
Trying to simplify your analysis of all responses also creates something of a catch-22: The more rigid and structured your RFP becomes, the less space potential vendors have to demonstrate their abilities as thought partners.
—Oliver Kimberley, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s an interesting catch-22 in this movie.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
California is also in danger of creating an energy catch-22 whereby the push to go green could hobble the state’s clean power efforts.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025
Trying to simplify your analysis of all responses also creates something of a catch-22: The more rigid and structured your RFP becomes, the less space potential vendors have to demonstrate their abilities as thought partners.
—Oliver Kimberley, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
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The good news: Better core strength can reduce your risk of lower back pain, Hamilton says.—
Danielle Zickl,
SELF,
24 Apr. 2025
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Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deep-sea mining dilemma Deep-sea mining isn’t a new idea.—
Christian Elliott,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The couple faces a spiritual and cultural dilemma: proceed with the ritual or risk divine consequences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The proposal goes off without a hitch as the two boys watch on.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Her feed cut out a few times during the song's first verse, then continued without a hitch through the chorus.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Now he’s found himself in the very same predicament that DeSantis once did.—
Drew Nelles,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
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But the Orioles’ predicament is not all that complicated.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Acton Academy’s growth to over 300 schools showcases the potential for replication but also highlights the pitfalls of decentralized management.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Right off the bat, Expedition 33 avoids the common pitfall of assigning moves to magic point (MP) values; In most JRPGs, special attacks typically consume MP, and running out means characters are relegated to just doing normal attacks, which can make battles feel dry or lopsided.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to our readers, classics like the Chicken Sandwich Meal (extra pickles, please) and seasonal treats like the Peach Milkshake are always worth stopping for.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
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The deal on the burgers – each comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, Smash Sauce, and ketchup on a toasted bun – is good in stores, online and through the Smashburger app.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In September 1856, the three-year-old, 171-foot long Steamboat Arabia, laden with over 200 tons of cargo bound for 16 frontier towns, struck a tree snag and quickly sank to the bottom of the Missouri River, just six miles west of Kansas City.—
Tammy Ljungblad,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
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More than a decade later, there are still up to 300 snags — dead standing trees — per acre in some of Yosemite’s most intensely affected areas, Stephens said.—
Corinne Purtill,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The 5-11 Johnson had 48 catches for 449 yards and six touchdowns last season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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