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
Houston’s predicament now feels far more perilous.
—
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2026
In the same way that audiences are trying to unpack the central scheme — or interlocking set of schemes — at the center of Paula’s newfound predicament, so was the Emmy-winning Maslany drawn to the inscrutability of her character.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 May 2026
Given the predicament most managers are in, what are ambitious leaders to do?
—Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
At the end of all of those questions lies a consistent predicament — Slaggert may be one of the odd men out.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for predicament
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2026
In the same way that audiences are trying to unpack the central scheme — or interlocking set of schemes — at the center of Paula’s newfound predicament, so was the Emmy-winning Maslany drawn to the inscrutability of her character.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 May 2026
Given the predicament most managers are in, what are ambitious leaders to do?
—Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
At the end of all of those questions lies a consistent predicament — Slaggert may be one of the odd men out.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for predicament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predicament
Noun
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Barragán originally set out to find the man who scammed his mother by posing as a handsome American soldier, but now interrogates four of these young men, illuminating their psychological tactics, economic hardships and moral dilemmas.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
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This is not a new dilemma for football fans.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
30 May 2026
Noun
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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
-
Most varieties make crisp, firm pickles when picked at about 4 inches long.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Predicament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predicament. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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