1
as in problem
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
faced with a dilemma of whether to risk continuing to drive in the dangerous storm or to give up searching for the lost dog and hope he survived
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
with home prices in a free fall, sellers were in a terrible dilemma
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
Instead of adding more junk to your drawers, these clever gadgets actually solve kitchen dilemmas we’re all faced with.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
My book belongs to ongoing discussions that live in and outlive literary dilemmas.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
In the midst of a blizzard sweeping across central Ukraine last month, Iryna Vlasenko had a dilemma.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
But along the way, the race has turned into a political dilemma for both sides.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
My book belongs to ongoing discussions that live in and outlive literary dilemmas.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
In the midst of a blizzard sweeping across central Ukraine last month, Iryna Vlasenko had a dilemma.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
But along the way, the race has turned into a political dilemma for both sides.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Meta and other tech firms have argued there’s no conclusive evidence linking social media to addiction or mental health problems.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Once back at the VAB, engineers will need to partially disassemble it to inspect things like filters, valves, and connection plates to find the problem.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The signal predicament of our era is the global rise of illiberalism and intolerance.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Here, the joyous and the boisterous contrast the dark and insidious, allowing viewers to both be delighted by colorful street scenes and celebrations while the rot of fear creeps in, as the details surrounding our main character (Wagner Moura) and his predicament are revealed.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lenten fish fries are inviting for many reasons but can be a quandary for people with heart and other health issues.—
John Shumway,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
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The life of a globe-trotting environmentalist is a breeding ground for moral quandaries.—
Rob Wolfe,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To flavor this dish, use the classic potato salad ingredients, including yellow mustard, pickle relish, and hot sauce.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
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Those interested in home cooking may want to sign up for learning The Art of Pickling with Chef Lex at Haberdish, a $47 class including lite bites for snacking, two 32-ounce glass jars of custom pickles and take-home recipe cards.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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