1
as in problems
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 predicaments
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 dilemmas
At the time, the metaphor seemed to work because of the particular dilemmas posed by Brexit.
—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Readers learn not simply from facts but from context, uncertainty, leadership dilemmas and competing priorities.
—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Coffee tables with storage solve one of the living room’s most relatable design dilemmas, keeping remotes and coasters neatly out of sight.
—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
But neither option, Kuntz explained, seems likely to resolve Hollywood’s dilemmas.
—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Lead executives Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer will be dealing with far more pressing dilemmas on draft night and in the days that follow, but they’re also tasked with using the low-value pick to locate someone who can help Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets win immediately.
—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.
—
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Coming from the comedy world themselves, the duo take listeners down hilarious rabbit holes about pet peeves, dating dilemmas and life hacks.
—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Casting child star vocal talents to bring his line drawings to life for the characters surrounding Charlie Brown (and his endless dilemmas of life story plots) wasn’t an easy feat for Schulz, since, after all, children grow up, and their vocals mature.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Readers learn not simply from facts but from context, uncertainty, leadership dilemmas and competing priorities.
—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Coffee tables with storage solve one of the living room’s most relatable design dilemmas, keeping remotes and coasters neatly out of sight.
—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
But neither option, Kuntz explained, seems likely to resolve Hollywood’s dilemmas.
—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Lead executives Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer will be dealing with far more pressing dilemmas on draft night and in the days that follow, but they’re also tasked with using the low-value pick to locate someone who can help Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets win immediately.
—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.
—
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Coming from the comedy world themselves, the duo take listeners down hilarious rabbit holes about pet peeves, dating dilemmas and life hacks.
—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Casting child star vocal talents to bring his line drawings to life for the characters surrounding Charlie Brown (and his endless dilemmas of life story plots) wasn’t an easy feat for Schulz, since, after all, children grow up, and their vocals mature.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemmas
Noun
-
On Tuesday, some customers were still reporting problems accessing accounts, updating banking information and navigating the transition.
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Peterson has since said an increase in his creatine intake was to blame for his cramping problems.
Noun
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Rather than bridging shortfalls, both Seattle and Washington now face more difficult fiscal predicaments, Joblon said.
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The madman strategy is for not-crazy leaders caught in adverse predicaments.
Noun
-
The life of a globe-trotting environmentalist is a breeding ground for moral quandaries.
-
Three little people’s romantic quandaries are indeed inextricable from the crazy world.
Noun
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Those with the most pickles by weight will face off for the title of Baron of Bobbing.
-
Layer the onions, 2 to 3 bacon pieces, and 2 to 3 pickles over the patty.
Cite this Entry
“Dilemmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemmas. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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