variants
or catch-22s
1
as in land mines
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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2
as in dilemmas
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in problems
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22's
Noun
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During the dictatorships after World War II, the natural barrier of the Accursed Mountains was fortified, set about with land mines, and patrolled, effectively isolating the stronghold of Albania from the rest of the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025 -
If Hamas fails to disarm, that will give Netanyahu an excuse to restart the war and avoid all the political land mines that the next phases present him.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With its iconic captains, philosophical dilemmas and unforgettable alien encounters, the Trek universe is rich with lore, logic, and a whole lot of technobabble.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
19 Oct. 2025
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The dilemmas of post-revolutionary life—in particular, the gap between fulsome propaganda and flawed realities—were efficiently captured, as usual, in the popular genre known as the anekdot.—
Benjamin Nathans
September 24,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His crossing caused problems all evening and led to the opening goal for Munoz before a superb drag back and cross with the outside of his boot was met by Eddie Nketiah to double Palace’s lead.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Directed by Aziz Ansari and co-starring Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer, the movie casts Reeves as a guardian angel who loses his wings while trying to teach a human that money doesn’t solve one’s problems.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The cars — which will sit in 20 feet of water in a line to represent traffic jams that are all too routine in South Florida — allude to both our car-centric culture and the risks of climate change, said Ximena Caminos, founder and artistic director of REEFLINE.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
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While some people fear the potential dangers of real-life flying cars, others like Neil are eager to try out a new ride, despite the risks.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Duffers add that one of the key inspirations for this season is Home Alone—specifically the booby traps.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
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For a novice member of the field, the coolest details of the event doubled as booby traps.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Gunaratnam said the test shows the potential pitfalls when insurance and testing companies might not be familiar with a patient's full history.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
12 Oct. 2025
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In her interview with Us Weekly, Rimes said the lifetime achievement that gives her the most pride is surviving the pitfalls of child stardom — noting that many others have died young.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Morrell, a former BP exec who was appointed by former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, departed after a series of snags that ultimately doomed Chapek’s tenure as CEO.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
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However, there remain several potential snags.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the years since that 2022 season, Dulcich has eight catches for 53 yards, having split time with both the Broncos and New York Giants.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
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Through seven games, Taylor leads the league in rushing with 697 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, along with 185 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown on 23 catches — an element of his game that has long been lacking.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Catch-22's.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22%27s. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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