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
Relevance
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
Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is faced with a dilemma: end the conflict and risk the collapse of his government, or plow on and sacrifice international support.
—
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
Yet in the second and third seasons, characters and dilemmas have sneaked into new scenarios, enhancing the stakes without fleshing out all the details, so audiences can dig around for clues.
—Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Navigating this dilemma requires more than a stronger military or bolder diplomacy.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The National Women’s Soccer League, which raised its media rights fees nearly 60 times over with a series of deals that kicked off in 2024, finds itself in a similar dilemma.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
Yet in the second and third seasons, characters and dilemmas have sneaked into new scenarios, enhancing the stakes without fleshing out all the details, so audiences can dig around for clues.
—Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Navigating this dilemma requires more than a stronger military or bolder diplomacy.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The National Women’s Soccer League, which raised its media rights fees nearly 60 times over with a series of deals that kicked off in 2024, finds itself in a similar dilemma.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
The platform ran into problems Thursday, when nearly 6,000 users reported issues with X’s website and app.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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The problems started shortly after 8 a.m. ET Saturday and within an hour, there were 11,871 reports logged.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Sheriff Martinez could easily resolve this predicament of her own making.—
Pedro Rios,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
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The cops are making progress, the bikers are sharpening their shivs, the main duo’s relationship is being tested and Ray is dealing with his own family issues, while Manny is facing his own piercing predicament.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Anderson follows Welles’s artistic boldness (Mr. Arkadin’s fractured narrative and idiosyncratic archetypes), but in his own visually eccentric way illustrates that spiritual quandary is not new to mankind’s experience.—
Armond White,
National Review,
30 May 2025
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Choosing a timeless gift will nail the right sentiment, but picking the perfect timepiece out of a few (gazillion) options can present a quandary.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
16 May 2025
Noun
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With them, came pickles, tomato sauce and jammy eggs.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
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The vibe is retro, the pickles are sharp, and there’s always something new on the specials board.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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