pickle

noun

ˈpi-kəl How to pronounce pickle (audio)
Definition of picklenext
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape well, this is a bit of a pickle we've gotten ourselves into

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pickle Fried pickles, chicken and waffles, Chinese chicken salad, bowls — things that were trendy at one point and then became part of mainstream American restaurant food. — Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026 Some fans are staunch defenders of the polarizing pork sandwich, which consists of a boneless pork patty smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with onions and pickles and served on a toasted roll. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Most ingredients, including pickles and dressings, are made in-house. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Both bentos come with a sweet and salty cabbage salad, a slab of rice, crunchy green pickles, and a slice of orange. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pickle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pickle
  1. predicament
  2. dilemma
  3. hole
  4. bind
  5. swamp
  6. jam
Noun
  • While Brand has been largely condemned, media figures including conservative pundit Megyn Kelly and entrepreneur Elon Musk have expressed sympathy over his predicament.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • As a result, what was once a difficult political landscape for the state’s minority party now approaches an existential predicament.
    — Robert T.F. Downes, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • Although both recommended Eisenkot to the president, their support presents a dilemma for some of his prospective coalition partners, who have ruled out depending on Arab parties to establish a government.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Political ambition and demography will likely combine to create a dilemma for the state’s dominant Democrats.
    — Dan Walters, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of dilemma
Noun
  • Midway through the third quarter, Riley burst through a wide-open hole and beat the Rams’ final defensive back for speed to race down the sideline for a 31-yard touchdown and his third of the night.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • This month, a series of explosions will blow holes in the former SS United States, sinking it some 25 miles off the Florida panhandle to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Previously, Justice Department attorneys have argued that seizing ships puts the government in a financial bind, so selling the vessels is necessary to avoid tens of millions of dollars in maintenance and repair costs.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Health care has put Americans and America in a massive financial bind, and no one is coming to bail us out.
    — Paul Markovich, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bind
Noun
  • Certainly one of those features that hits as nicer on the show floor than in a mosquito- and midge-infested patch of swamp-adjacent wilderness, the hatch opens up a breezy indoor/outdoor setup with al fresco-style dining room.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Two does and two fawns came out into full view, and a buck ran into the swamp behind a little rise of ground.
    — ANGUS CAMERON, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of swamp
Noun
  • In the final years of the Puppet House, the venue regularly hosted touring jam rock and punk bands.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Food is simple but high quality, with a range of delicious jams, fresh pastries, yogurts, and granola.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of jam

Browse Nearby Words

picking up on
pickle
pickled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pickle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pickle

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