DOUBLE BIND Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

double bind

noun

Definition of double bind

as in dilemma

a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices the double bind faced by every politician: responding to scurrilous charges only gives them unwarranted publicity; not responding to such charges is often interpreted as an admission of guilt

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Recent Examples of double bind As if breaking the law would offer a symbolic release from this double bind, the third video documents Liden trespassing into the apartment of an anonymous hoarder. — Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Cast members of color, on the other hand, are often trapped in a double bind of sorts. — Shamira Ibrahim, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026 China is already facing a double bind of labor shortages in some sectors and unemployment in others. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026 This double bind can be traumatic. — Hind Haddad, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for double bind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind

Noun

Part of what our soul requires is a person who has an authentic interior struggle — a debate, a dilemma.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Past attempts to fix this flaw created a frustrating dilemma.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

The companies open new revenue streams, because solving new problems creates new markets.

— Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Gearin says that leaders who run these retreats are aware of clients’ high premium on being able to see outside the box and gain the ability to look at their business problems from different angles.

— Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026