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
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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
Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
—
Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
The following is a breakdown of those questions and others, and the key personnel dilemmas that remain unsolved as the World Cup nears.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
We were riddled with some dilemmas when other teams were finalizing systems.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead, Washington must shore up its traditional credibility in the world and use it to steer China along a less hostile path, presenting Beijing with dilemmas rather than ultimatums and seeking to shape outcomes over time rather than dictate them immediately.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Clearly, there’s something about Panahi’s exploration of the moral dilemmas of life under an authoritarian government that’s resonating with Stateside viewers.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
The jury praised the film for its portrayal of the ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers within a Doctors Without Borders hospital.
—Udita Jhunjhunwala, Variety, 28 Nov. 2025
True moral dilemmas, which become tangled in ways that seem impossible to unravel, with his private life.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
The author recalled having a nightmare about his own family and unconsciously tapping into his personal dilemmas, which provided the basis for the book by the time the sun rose.
—Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
The following is a breakdown of those questions and others, and the key personnel dilemmas that remain unsolved as the World Cup nears.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
We were riddled with some dilemmas when other teams were finalizing systems.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead, Washington must shore up its traditional credibility in the world and use it to steer China along a less hostile path, presenting Beijing with dilemmas rather than ultimatums and seeking to shape outcomes over time rather than dictate them immediately.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Clearly, there’s something about Panahi’s exploration of the moral dilemmas of life under an authoritarian government that’s resonating with Stateside viewers.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
The jury praised the film for its portrayal of the ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers within a Doctors Without Borders hospital.
—Udita Jhunjhunwala, Variety, 28 Nov. 2025
True moral dilemmas, which become tangled in ways that seem impossible to unravel, with his private life.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
The author recalled having a nightmare about his own family and unconsciously tapping into his personal dilemmas, which provided the basis for the book by the time the sun rose.
—Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemmas
Noun
-
These water issues suggest potentially costly problems with the foundation, mold, or drainage system.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Congress, as the legislative branch, needs to seek bipartisan solutions to some of the major problems facing the United States today.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Brooks’s screenplay makes ample space to dump praise upon its protagonist while bemoaning her many predicaments.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
-
But this is just one of the many predicaments of writing memoir.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
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These are enduring human quandaries.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
5 Jan. 2026
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The Thunder and Spurs have the makings of a league-defining rivalry because their connection poses several existential quandaries.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Working in batches if needed, arrange pickles in a single layer in air-fryer basket (do not overcrowd).—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
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Along with the usual lettuce, tomato and mayo, the inaugural customer creation, introduced for a limited time in July 2025, dressed the brand’s staple burger patty and bun with American cheese, bacon, crispy onions, and pickles with golden onion rings and a smoky BBQ sauce.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemmas. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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