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
Those on the conference call would likely face very human dilemmas, and that might lead them to deviate from the rules, added Erin Dumbacher, an expert in nuclear policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
—
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Political obstacles The electoral dispute highlights Somalia’s ongoing political dilemmas.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
With its iconic captains, philosophical dilemmas and unforgettable alien encounters, the Trek universe is rich with lore, logic, and a whole lot of technobabble.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025
The dilemmas of post-revolutionary life—in particular, the gap between fulsome propaganda and flawed realities—were efficiently captured, as usual, in the popular genre known as the anekdot.
—Benjamin Nathans
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
In the plot, a fictional president of Italy faces moral and ethical dilemmas.
—Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Her bi-monthly AI Logs column explores the latest trends, breakthroughs, and ethical dilemmas in AI, delivering expert analysis and fresh insights.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
The tension between being liked and being respected is one of the oldest dilemmas.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Political obstacles The electoral dispute highlights Somalia’s ongoing political dilemmas.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
With its iconic captains, philosophical dilemmas and unforgettable alien encounters, the Trek universe is rich with lore, logic, and a whole lot of technobabble.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025
The dilemmas of post-revolutionary life—in particular, the gap between fulsome propaganda and flawed realities—were efficiently captured, as usual, in the popular genre known as the anekdot.
—Benjamin Nathans
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
In the plot, a fictional president of Italy faces moral and ethical dilemmas.
—Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Her bi-monthly AI Logs column explores the latest trends, breakthroughs, and ethical dilemmas in AI, delivering expert analysis and fresh insights.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
The tension between being liked and being respected is one of the oldest dilemmas.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemmas
Noun
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Prior to her latest health scare, Bardot was treated for respiratory problems in 2023 after struggling to breathe due to the heat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Side effects may include stomach issues, headaches, and rare kidney problems from contamination.—
Sarah Anzlovar,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Pakistan Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his nation was hoping for more of a consensus going into Tuesday’s vote given the funding predicaments and operational issues that have dogged the MSS.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Is River in desperate need of some R&R, or is everyone else projecting their own predicaments onto him?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Because both of these feats brought Witt into mental quandaries that illustrate where his head is on milestones and where his head is going in terms of where his program is going in its third year.—
Brian Robin,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
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Kristen Arnett weighs in on this and other literary quandaries.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While a regular sandwich consists of toppings and meat between two or more pieces of bread, a picklewich replaces the bread with pickles.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
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Mixed with celery, red onions, peas, lemon juice and sweet pickles the pasta salad is delicious with just a few effortless ingredients.—
Sofia DiStefano,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Running an international night train is not without its difficulties.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The Barca and Madrid hierarchies have battled together for common causes like the European Super League, which Perez has been pushing for decades, and which Laporta saw as a possible handy solution for Barca’s financial difficulties.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemmas. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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