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
The victory, however, spotlights the awkward dilemma of several Rebels assistant coaches who will join Kiffin at LSU.
—
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
That all hospitals do not have or even need the same technology sets up the prisoner’s dilemma.
—James L. Whiteside, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
If it's been quite some time, that solves the dilemma, Appelbaum states.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
What happened in Huliaipole goes to the heart of the Ukrainian military’s dilemma.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
That all hospitals do not have or even need the same technology sets up the prisoner’s dilemma.
—James L. Whiteside, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
If it's been quite some time, that solves the dilemma, Appelbaum states.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
What happened in Huliaipole goes to the heart of the Ukrainian military’s dilemma.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Her main problem was with the MAGA movement in general, believing that her negative interactions with MAGA protesters reflected the hearts and minds of the movement more broadly.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Jan. 2026
-
No, a Super Bowl run isn't likely for this team, but Pittsburgh does have a bit of a unique offense that could give defenses that rely on their pass rush problems.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This year, however, my predicament has grown more urgent.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
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Owner’s Jail, to put it nicely, is the predicament of NFL fans whose team is owned by someone whose stewardship does not inspire great optimism.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Vikings have begun a new year with yet another quarterback quandary, a familiar scenario for this star-crossed franchise.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
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These are enduring human quandaries.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
UConn fan Bryan Penfield challenged fans to drink the pickle juice-electrolyte drink and make a donation to the Husky Ticket Project.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
5 Jan. 2026
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Its love interest is a pickle salesman—utterly charming!—
Sara Krolewski,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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