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
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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
And that’s the dilemma that Miami is facing at this Club World Cup.
—
Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Now, Springsteen’s right-leaning fans are faced with a dilemma.
—John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
Today, law firms that have been subjected to the demands of the executive branch are now experiencing their dilemmas of conscience.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Lee’s version stars frequent collaborator Denzel Washington as a music mogul who becomes the target of a ransom demand that forces him into a moral dilemma, between life and death.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Now, Springsteen’s right-leaning fans are faced with a dilemma.
—John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
Today, law firms that have been subjected to the demands of the executive branch are now experiencing their dilemmas of conscience.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Lee’s version stars frequent collaborator Denzel Washington as a music mogul who becomes the target of a ransom demand that forces him into a moral dilemma, between life and death.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
For the social workers working with families through trauma, joblessness, health problems or other crises, burnout was a real concern.—
UNICEF USA,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
Kesh’s remarks highlight how Alpha™ continues to solve problems for designers and consumers alike, building off a rich legacy and continuing to evolve textile technology.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Two years ago, when Villa were in a similar predicament, the sale of Martinez was discussed as a last resort before the club decided to move on talented youngsters to balance the books instead.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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But this latest landslide win creates a predicament for the Philippines, as the mayor-elect is thousands of miles away behind bars awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity.—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
And so part of her quandary is having to deal with the disconnect between the weird stories that she’s grown up with and the fact that this has actually happened to her.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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But more importantly, reality TV fans were hooked on the moral quandaries contestants faced and the wild adventures that aired on our TV screens each and every week.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
In addition to sauces, Pickled Prince sells pickles, giardiniera and kimchi at farmers markets, alongside a funky-looking pickle mascot.—
Ahmed Ali Akbar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
-
Add 1 tablespoon of the simple syrup and pickle brine.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
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