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
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 dilemma
Hurzeler will face a similar dilemma next season to cope with extra fixtures in the Europa Conference League.
—
Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Natasha was on maternity leave with her second child when she was laid off, leaving her family with a difficult dilemma.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
This creates the dilemma for the fans watching in Los Angeles and Seattle for Iran’s three group games.
—Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Standing at a podium in Washington last week, Missouri’s senior senator called on Republicans to regulate the artificial intelligence industry in a searing speech that cast the dangers of AI as a moral dilemma.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Natasha was on maternity leave with her second child when she was laid off, leaving her family with a difficult dilemma.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
This creates the dilemma for the fans watching in Los Angeles and Seattle for Iran’s three group games.
—Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Standing at a podium in Washington last week, Missouri’s senior senator called on Republicans to regulate the artificial intelligence industry in a searing speech that cast the dangers of AI as a moral dilemma.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Common travel problems include flight delays, lost luggage, and unexpected hotel issues.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Plants that thrive in similar conditions eliminate problems later.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Rather than allow the observatory to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, NASA turned Swift’s predicament into a test of an emerging technology — robotic satellite servicing.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
And Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, is apparently in that predicament.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
The controversial diplomatic breakthrough poses a quandary for Vance, whose aides see Rubio as his most viable challenger for the Republican presidential nomination should the secretary choose to run.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
In late April, as the race for California governor was heating up, Steve Hilton and his advisers at their Huntington Beach headquarters were in a quandary.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Layer the onions, 2 to 3 bacon pieces, and 2 to 3 pickles over the patty.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
-
Add a small amount of pickle juice or vinegar to your egg salad.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
