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

The dilemma came amid financial woes at Western Hills Water District.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Gilmore, of Marathon Sports, captured the dilemma that American runners face in the meantime.

— Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

Sixty-eight percent of likely voters told PPIC the cost of energy — both in utility bills and the price of gasoline at the pump — were a big problem.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
The problem is that this group is mostly comprised of uncultured idiots, so Shai and Georgia are the only people who know what Rocky Horror is.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026