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
But now you’re faced with a new dilemma: What shoes are actually supposed to go with flared jeans?
—
Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2025
In today’s issue: The U.S.-China tariff turnstile Deportation dilemma rocks the courts
GOP down to details on Medicaid cuts
Iran, U.S. nuclear progress unclear
President Trump’s tariff rollout has world leaders and economists on edge as White House messaging about the levies remains inconsistent.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Advice on life’s trickiest situations and moral dilemmas from the philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah.
—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The answer to this dilemma is not to prepare for wars of indefinite duration but to develop theories of victory that are realistic in their political objectives and flexible in how they might be achieved.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2025
In today’s issue: The U.S.-China tariff turnstile Deportation dilemma rocks the courts
GOP down to details on Medicaid cuts
Iran, U.S. nuclear progress unclear
President Trump’s tariff rollout has world leaders and economists on edge as White House messaging about the levies remains inconsistent.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Advice on life’s trickiest situations and moral dilemmas from the philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah.
—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
The answer to this dilemma is not to prepare for wars of indefinite duration but to develop theories of victory that are realistic in their political objectives and flexible in how they might be achieved.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Are some flights more likely to experience crew duty clock problems?—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
High overtime costs have long been a problem for the LAFD, whose around-the-clock staffing model depends heavily on employees taking on extra shifts.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Now he’s found himself in the very same predicament that DeSantis once did.—
Drew Nelles,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
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But the Orioles’ predicament is not all that complicated.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In McWilliams’s and McLagan’s view, offal provides a real way to combat the moral quandary of meat eating.—
Valerie Trapp,
The Atlantic,
17 Apr. 2025
-
John Price, the superintendent of North Chicago School District 187, said the quandary has prompted the district to stall the implementation of a Black Excellence program designed to help a particular student group that does not perform as well as others on certain standardized tests.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Tomato slices are slipping out, pickles are disappearing and the bread can get soggy. Build a better burger like this: Toast the bun.—
Joe Difazio,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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The chicken sandwich is served with coleslaw, pickles and a house sauce on a brioche bun.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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