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
When that reauthorization is delayed, Abelard faces a dilemma: continue seeing clients knowing insurers may not pay for those services or leave clients without care until the reauthorization comes through.
—
Aneri Pattani, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
That led the kid to launch the classic car out a glass window, a dilemma even his best pal Ferris (Broderick) is hard pressed to fix.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 May 2025
In May, Lee, 68, is heading to France to premiere Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival beside his longtime collaborator Denzel Washington, who plays a music mogul confronted with the dilemma of — well — how to do the right thing.
—Rebecca Keegan, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
This creates a dilemma for those who value honesty but also need to rely on trust to maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
—Martin Reimann, The Conversation, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Aneri Pattani, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
That led the kid to launch the classic car out a glass window, a dilemma even his best pal Ferris (Broderick) is hard pressed to fix.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 May 2025
In May, Lee, 68, is heading to France to premiere Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival beside his longtime collaborator Denzel Washington, who plays a music mogul confronted with the dilemma of — well — how to do the right thing.
—Rebecca Keegan, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
This creates a dilemma for those who value honesty but also need to rely on trust to maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
—Martin Reimann, The Conversation, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
As studies begin to find connections between exposure to plastic and medical problems, doctors and scientists are increasingly concerned.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
The problem is worse after heavy rain, but levels of E. Coli were still high during dry spells.—
Dan Gooding
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
Fey lays out a number of ways to deal with this predicament.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
9 May 2025
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So their only way out of this predicament is also the hardest — trading the star who elevated the team for a decade.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
As weight-loss drugs soar in popularity, diners on and off them are wrestling with a number of restaurant etiquette quandaries, and in some cases changing their dining habits as a result.—
Alyson Krueger,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
-
The threat of a trade war sparked by President Trump’s tariffs has played a role in the state’s license plate quandary.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At one point during the game, Ottawa had packets of mustard and pickle juice on the bench, according to rinkside reporter Kelly Greig.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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The salt, fat and juice smother the pickles and mustard, snuffing out the vinegar and tang.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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