as in predicaments
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
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Recent Examples of pickles
Other condiments that can be stored in the door compartments include pickles, olives, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, jam, peanut butter, and sauces like hot sauce.
—
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
Note that pickles made with a salt brine, like Martha's Sour Pickles, are fermented foods, while those made quickly with vinegar are not.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
While on summer vacations, her family would pick fruits and vegetables and then preserve them, including pickles.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
The fillings are simple and flavorful, like pairing chicken with toum (garlic sauce), cucumber and pickles, or lamb with tahini, onions and tomatoes.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
The items feature breaded and battered chicken tenders, lettuce, shredded cheese, two pickles and a buttermilk tortilla inspired by the brand's biscuits.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The couple splurged on full insulation, making the shed comfortable year-round, and outfitted it with an affordable IKEA sink for when Ashlie cans pickles and distills essential oils.
—Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026
At Miznon, fresh pita is filled with a falafel burger, tangy pickles, tomato, sour cream, and green chili peppers.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Difference Matters Not all pickles are fermented, and the distinction shapes whether the cucumber in your sandwich is doing anything for your gut.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
Note that pickles made with a salt brine, like Martha's Sour Pickles, are fermented foods, while those made quickly with vinegar are not.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
While on summer vacations, her family would pick fruits and vegetables and then preserve them, including pickles.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
The fillings are simple and flavorful, like pairing chicken with toum (garlic sauce), cucumber and pickles, or lamb with tahini, onions and tomatoes.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
The items feature breaded and battered chicken tenders, lettuce, shredded cheese, two pickles and a buttermilk tortilla inspired by the brand's biscuits.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The couple splurged on full insulation, making the shed comfortable year-round, and outfitted it with an affordable IKEA sink for when Ashlie cans pickles and distills essential oils.
—Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026
At Miznon, fresh pita is filled with a falafel burger, tangy pickles, tomato, sour cream, and green chili peppers.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Difference Matters Not all pickles are fermented, and the distinction shapes whether the cucumber in your sandwich is doing anything for your gut.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pickles
Noun
-
Rather than bridging shortfalls, both Seattle and Washington now face more difficult fiscal predicaments, Joblon said.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
18 May 2026
-
The madman strategy is for not-crazy leaders caught in adverse predicaments.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lead executives Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer will be dealing with far more pressing dilemmas on draft night and in the days that follow, but they’re also tasked with using the low-value pick to locate someone who can help Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets win immediately.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
-
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The Crusaders, who claimed a SoCal-record third regional title, racked up 14 hits but Payne worked out of several jams.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
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Barton recommends using them in recipes like jams, jellies, preserves, and smoothies where their softer texture won't be an issue.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Sumatran orangutans live in the rainforests and swamps on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
They are typically found in shallow ponds, swamps, canals, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
After making par on each of the first nine holes, Lopez made her move on the back with four birdies.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Of the more than 40 million annual visitors to the state, about a quarter seek outdoor recreation, including fishing at the state’s extensive network of fishing holes—rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi, as well as more than 2,700 lakes—meaning a stop at Bass Pro is almost always in order.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pickles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pickles. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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