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
That contradiction—between law enforcement scrutiny and diplomatic engagement—underscores the dilemma facing Washington.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
However, Nadella offers a fix to that productivity dilemma, calling on business leaders to adopt a new approach to knowledge work by shifting workflows to match the structural design of AI.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
But one skin dilemma that’s stumping even me is why everyone thinks their skin looks so dull right now.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Iran’s protest crackdown — which analysts say was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history — has created a dilemma for Gulf powers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
However, Nadella offers a fix to that productivity dilemma, calling on business leaders to adopt a new approach to knowledge work by shifting workflows to match the structural design of AI.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026
But one skin dilemma that’s stumping even me is why everyone thinks their skin looks so dull right now.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
Iran’s protest crackdown — which analysts say was the deadliest in the Islamic Republic’s history — has created a dilemma for Gulf powers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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Rodríguez herself hasn't embraced meaningful public debate of the nation's problems other than announcing the creation of an advisory commission on political co-existence to be headed by Villegas' brother, Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas.—
EGINA GARCIA CANO,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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But to him, all of the town’s problems stemmed from one pivotal source.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Young is one of a number of players who find themselves in this predicament, star-level talents whose production, in one way, shape or form, falls short of the cost of doing business.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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Then Culhane’s hat finds itself in a similar predicament.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Elena Rybakina turned off the heat on a bubbling comeback from Sabalenka to win the 2026 Australian Open title 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and to crystallize the tennis quandary in which Sabalenka finds herself.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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In both Landman and Goliath, Thornton’s characters are flawed anti-heroes who struggle with substance abuse and the moral quandaries of doing what’s right.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Serve with chips and pickle spears for an easy and filling meal.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
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Vinegar is everywhere these days, and not just in pickles and salad dressing.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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