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
Thus, leading to a double bind for Black women athletes such as Reese.
—
Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
In this climate, managers are in a double bind, between efficiency mandates and employee expectations.
—Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
In this climate, managers are in a double bind, between efficiency mandates and employee expectations.
—Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind
Noun
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This poses a dilemma since water that is applied rolls down the sides of the container without soaking the soil.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
19 June 2025
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Thus far, India has escaped this dilemma because successive U.S. presidential administrations have deliberately overlooked these dalliances.—
ASHLEY J. TELLIS,
Foreign Affairs,
17 June 2025
Noun
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On Monday afternoon, when the heat index was again over 100 degrees, these second-floor offices had to close because of problems with the ventilation system.—
Lily Carey,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
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Earlier in the week, American Airlines dealt with another dramatic problem with a connection to the Charlotte airport.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20bind. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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