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
If sources provide uncertain information that is nonetheless newsworthy, journalists have to solve the dilemma by providing the audience with enough information to judge the source and at the same time avoiding the impression that the whole journalistic piece is untrustworthy.
—
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Fascinated by this dilemma that travel ball parents seem to be in.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Fascinated by this dilemma that travel ball parents seem to be in.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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Holland attempted to address the problem by trading for Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break, but the high-scoring forward couldn’t make up for the Olympic injury loss of fellow high scorer Kevin Fiala.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
The accountability crisis that looked like someone else’s problem last week is sitting in Florida’s backyard.—
Nick Weston,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Our predicament was worsened by the motor-laden, vertically floating canoe that offered little support and would not be blown or pushed ashore, and by the loss of untethered life cushions and the lack of life jackets.—
Jim Hoagland,
Outdoor Life,
30 Apr. 2026
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Eddie Howe experienced a similar predicament and challenges on the financial front, with a desire for squad rejuvenation.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In fact, many retailers find themselves in a similar quandary because tariff refunds will go to whoever paid the actual customs bill.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
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How much to rely on that bot – and when to let go – is a moral quandary for the grieving former combat surgeon who had her license revoked after a tragedy.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The iconic pickle-on-a-stick is also a hit with guests looking for something quick and easy.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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The menu bears a familiar DNA from chef Misti Norris (formally of Petra and the Beast), with ferments, pickles, and preserves making appearances throughout.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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