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 Serve with dill pickle chips to double down on the pickle flavor. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Start with the Single Smash, layered with griddled onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and smash sauce, then explore variations from there, including a falafel smash for vegetarians. — Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 These fresh deli pickles are packed with fiery flavor thanks to chili pepper oil, garlic, and turmeric. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 The dog can also be served in a classic Chicago-style, topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers and pickle. — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 29 June 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
  • The combination of Olise’s footwork and Mbappé’s speed creates a don’t-know-where-to-turn predicament for France’s opponents.
    — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • Potential romantic entanglement aside, these two have seriously different perspectives on Paula’s predicament.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of predicament
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
Definition of dilemma
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The difference between these two measurements gives the exciton binding energy, a key quantity that determines how strongly the electron and hole remain bound together.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Perhaps the most significant bind Albania’s government finds itself in over the project is the country’s relationship with the European Union.
    — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Bats in a bind before births Before giving the bats the boot last year, the city didn’t build an alternative roosting habitat, which would have been challenging given the substantial size of the colony.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of bind
Noun
  • As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Some of the most important pollinator plants in Connecticut include bee balm, buttonbush, columbine, geranium, goldenrod, highbush blueberry, New England aster, New Jersey tea and swamp milkweed.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of swamp
Noun
  • The nearly 3,000-foot-long train was patiently idling beside the platform at East Perth Terminal, where a spread of scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and Bollinger champagne welcomed eager travelers.
    — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Cottage Kitchen offers preserves and spreads made from wild- and farm-sourced ingredients, like Chandler strawberry jam and hot-pepper jelly.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pickle

Nglish: Translation of pickle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pickle

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