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
Shelters in many low- and middle-income countries face the same dilemma.
—
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
Bee balm is one answer to the soggy garden dilemma.
—Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
The Chalhoub Group’s response offers a lens into the broader dilemma facing luxury and retail operators across the Gulf.
—Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 3 Mar. 2026
But following the completion of renovations, she was struck with a dilemma — a short-term rental unit right next door.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
Bee balm is one answer to the soggy garden dilemma.
—Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
The Chalhoub Group’s response offers a lens into the broader dilemma facing luxury and retail operators across the Gulf.
—Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 3 Mar. 2026
But following the completion of renovations, she was struck with a dilemma — a short-term rental unit right next door.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Then there was the pesky problem of Big Ten travel.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Maddix was born by emergency C-section with an enlarged heart that was causing a laundry list of other medical problems.—
Libby Smith,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And there's no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia's primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
And there’s no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia’s primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Trump’s strikes on Iran last June, and the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro last month, caused a similar quandary.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Eric Jaye, one of my campaign consultants, could see my quandary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Alex Garcia’s cheeseburger tartare is a mound of rib-eye sliced by hand into dice-sized squares of meat, dressed in a vinaigrette that zips with pickle brine, soy, mustard and even a squirt or two of ketchup.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
To really take your love of all things zesty dill to the next level, the chain is also now offering Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Chips, and recommends layering the chips onto your sandwich for more pickle crunch.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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