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
In February, 1983, lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union in Georgia faced a dilemma.
—
Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 27 July 2025
The time to plant fall vegetable crops is just around the corner, which often poses a dilemma for gardeners.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
There are many reasons professional golfers have found themselves in need of a win, but few have encountered the dilemma Max Homa currently faces.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
While the $8 billion-plus transaction will need a few more days to become official, several strategic dilemmas already have been percolating.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 27 July 2025
The time to plant fall vegetable crops is just around the corner, which often poses a dilemma for gardeners.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
There are many reasons professional golfers have found themselves in need of a win, but few have encountered the dilemma Max Homa currently faces.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
While the $8 billion-plus transaction will need a few more days to become official, several strategic dilemmas already have been percolating.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
But here’s the problem: Many of today’s fans, especially in our transient state, are clueless about Florida’s sports history.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Many cultures have felt tasked with the problem of restoring some semblance of that imagined inner wholeness, in the hope that humanity will be freed of its emotional isolation.—
Vivian Gornick,
New Yorker,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This predicament, occurring just five months after the airline's emergence from bankruptcy, initiated a rally predominantly led by United Airlines stock (NASDAQ: UAL), which saw a 10% increase.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Witnesses recalled the woman’s behavior at the time of her predicament.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The quandary is easily settled by the AI giving out lots of possibilities for why humanity is here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
To ship or not to ship — that is the quandary of the New Moon in Leo.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Order by the pound, or grab a sandwich with any of their meats served on a bun with pickles and homemade slaw.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Spoon 1/4 of the ground beef evenly across the top of the sheets, followed by shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced pickles and onions.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share