as in dilemma
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
if you had told the truth in the first place, we wouldn't be in this predicament
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Recent Examples of predicament
The madman strategy is for not-crazy leaders caught in adverse predicaments.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Baby boomers have been getting plenty of blame for this predicament in recent years, but some defenders say it’s not entirely warranted.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Companies like TikTok and Snap are in the same predicament.
—Jennifer Elias,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
But Lumet and screenwriter Frank Pierson ease up on the laughs as Sonny’s predicament grows more helpless, allowing the audience to feel his desperation as the drama barrels toward a tragic finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predicament
David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Baby boomers have been getting plenty of blame for this predicament in recent years, but some defenders say it’s not entirely warranted.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Companies like TikTok and Snap are in the same predicament.
—Jennifer Elias,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
But Lumet and screenwriter Frank Pierson ease up on the laughs as Sonny’s predicament grows more helpless, allowing the audience to feel his desperation as the drama barrels toward a tragic finale.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predicament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predicament
Noun
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The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
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That’s Duncan’s dilemma from the very beginning of this fitfully hilarious episode of The Audacity.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And at least one pickle pope blessing people with herbs.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Chicken wings brined in salt and pickle juice, as well as salads, will also appear on the menu.—
Jenna Thompson
April 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Predicament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predicament. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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