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
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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
Palantir solved the prisoner’s dilemma by defecting first.
—
Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Florida’s victory posed a dilemma.
—Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Casting child star vocal talents to bring his line drawings to life for the characters surrounding Charlie Brown (and his endless dilemmas of life story plots) wasn’t an easy feat for Schulz, since, after all, children grow up, and their vocals mature.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
That was a deep observation of the dilemma of love and care globally.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Florida’s victory posed a dilemma.
—Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Casting child star vocal talents to bring his line drawings to life for the characters surrounding Charlie Brown (and his endless dilemmas of life story plots) wasn’t an easy feat for Schulz, since, after all, children grow up, and their vocals mature.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
That was a deep observation of the dilemma of love and care globally.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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But Clark wasn't the Fever's biggest problem on Saturday.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
California lawmakers have since expressly banned such interference, but there are worries that even a visible police presence around elections could be a problem.—
Ashley Lopez,
NPR,
6 June 2026
Noun
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Your talent for overcoming stage fright will help someone in a similar predicament today.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
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The second was that, along with the platitudes about resilience, attendees were unusually honest about the Gulf’s predicament.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The allegations created a quandary for Republicans.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
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At the German Film Awards last week, Wenders spoke about his quandary over the film.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Note that pickles made with a salt brine, like Martha's Sour Pickles, are fermented foods, while those made quickly with vinegar are not.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
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In an interview with The Mirror published on Thursday, May 21, royal author Andrew Lownie claimed that Fergie has found herself in a bit of a financial pickle and is begging the Firm for help.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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