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
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
Really, this is the catch-22 at the heart of the modern celebrity CEO and social media.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 7 Mar. 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
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
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
Really, this is the catch-22 at the heart of the modern celebrity CEO and social media.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 7 Mar. 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
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
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The country could be at risk of losing its elimination status if an outbreak continued for more than one year.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
By the time France’s Nations League semi-final against Spain comes around in early June, Deschamps will have the usual array of squad composition and team selection dilemmas to contend with.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation, views homelessness as a dilemma, not a problem solved with a single action.—
Jane Hursh,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The night’s crossing of the Athina went off without a hitch, and Captain Hallax arrived home the next morning.—
Silvana Paternostro Nathalia Angarita,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Despite these concerns, the plan went off without a hitch.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The uncertainty reflects the unique predicament for Senate Democrats.—
David Sivak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Alec Baldwin suffers from a classic New York predicament.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There are two main pitfalls that Europe needs to avoid.—
Anatol Lieven,
TIME,
14 Mar. 2025
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By recognizing and addressing these common pitfalls, job seekers can approach their next interview with greater confidence and a clearer strategy for success.—
Michael Guan,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Pittsburgh's popular pickle-prominent party is returning this year.—
Chrissy Suttles,
Axios,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Jon Hamm has found himself in quite the pickle.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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At varying points, Ukraine adopted parts of NATO warfighting strategy, only to run into snags or revert to the more familiar, Soviet-style tactics.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Yes, and: The budget, property tax relief and health care costs — all priority issues heading into session — are hitting snags that likely won't get worked out this week.—
Arika Herron,
Axios,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In addition, anime in and of itself is a very broad catch all term that could mean a plethora of different genres to an animation veteran.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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As a rookie, McBride was the backup to starting tight end Zach Ertz and had 29 catches for 265 yards and a touchdown.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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