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
Still, even after the election, Magyar has remained relentlessly on message—which is to say, vague and tight-lipped, leaving several inconvenient dilemmas unaddressed.
—
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Researchers then provided examples of thoughtful responses to ethical dilemmas, which the model learned from via supervised learning.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 9 May 2026
The incorporation of UAVs into regular military operations marked a paradigm shift in the conduct of warfare, introducing new tactical possibilities, strategic dilemmas, and ethical debates that continue to evolve.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The most obvious answer was that the story, on a deeper level, needed to be timeless, a tale of a desperate person facing moral dilemmas of increasing extremity while trying to hold fast to their values.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
As mathematicians obsessed over these dilemmas, ZFC emerged out of a struggle with another idea of Cantor’s.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
But that mood turns out to be a surprisingly strong fit for the performer at the center of director Pete Ohs’ story of personal dilemmas and natural disasters.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has grappled with multiple complex problems and political dilemmas.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has grappled with multiple complex problems and political dilemmas.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Researchers then provided examples of thoughtful responses to ethical dilemmas, which the model learned from via supervised learning.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 9 May 2026
The incorporation of UAVs into regular military operations marked a paradigm shift in the conduct of warfare, introducing new tactical possibilities, strategic dilemmas, and ethical debates that continue to evolve.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
The most obvious answer was that the story, on a deeper level, needed to be timeless, a tale of a desperate person facing moral dilemmas of increasing extremity while trying to hold fast to their values.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
As mathematicians obsessed over these dilemmas, ZFC emerged out of a struggle with another idea of Cantor’s.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
But that mood turns out to be a surprisingly strong fit for the performer at the center of director Pete Ohs’ story of personal dilemmas and natural disasters.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has grappled with multiple complex problems and political dilemmas.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has grappled with multiple complex problems and political dilemmas.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemmas
Noun
-
Here’s one of several places where Footer’s biography runs into problems.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
After throwing three innings for Triple-A Sugar Land last week, Imai indicated a difference in major-league scouting reports contributed to his problems.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The madman strategy is for not-crazy leaders caught in adverse predicaments.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Journeys that used to take entire seasons were being covered in single episodes, characters survived predicaments that once meant surefire death, and previously relevant factors like supplies, infrastructure, and alliances no longer mattered.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The life of a globe-trotting environmentalist is a breeding ground for moral quandaries.—
Rob Wolfe,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Three little people’s romantic quandaries are indeed inextricable from the crazy world.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There’s also the Chicken Sammy for $13, topped with Swiss and mozzarella cheeses as well as Buffalo-style mayo, pickles, housemade pesto and lemon caper aioli.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
11 May 2026
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Breakfast also featured a fish main (a thick cut of salmon with miso sauce), pickles, rice, and miso soup.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemmas. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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