double bind

Definition of double bindnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
  • Deciding whether to include a second job on your resume is a common dilemma, as hiring managers often disagree on such details.
    Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • As open source models become more capable, governments are going to face a real dilemma about what to do about them.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • But local hoteliers say the proposal is riddled with problems, would unfairly impact hotels more than other businesses and might violate state law by applying flat fees to hotels instead of per-worker charges.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • StubHub said in various statements to the news and in legal proceedings that ticket cancellations were a result of transfer problems and issues with FIFA’s ticketing infrastructure.
    Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20bind. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!