1
as in dilemmas
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the party was once again facing its quadrennial quagmire: the candidate sufficiently liberal to win the nomination would be too liberal for the general election
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2
as in tangles
something that catches and holds
a protracted custody dispute that became a judicial quagmire
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Recent Examples of quagmires
But this is the wrong time for political sideshows or ethical quagmires.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quagmires
Noun
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Living with Israel’s military assertiveness Israel, the unquestioned military power and sole nuclear weapons state in the region, has long posed particularly deep political dilemmas to Gulf Arab states.—
David Mednicoff,
The Conversation,
9 Sep. 2025
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Wrestling over a decade with those rich character dilemmas got Vanderbilt an incredible roster of actors who here work at the height of their game.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Expect flocks of vibrant flamingos and tiny flitting hummingbirds spreading their wings over the turquoise waters and tangles of mangroves that unfold across lagoons that stretch parallel to the sea.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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The administration’s evolving guidance and questioning of scientific and pharmaceutical company clinical trials have sparked adaptations by states to try to clear the tangles.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These extreme predicaments and the deaths of people trapped in flooding homes in the Lower Ninth Ward were powerful reminders of the vulnerability of many low-income, elderly and ill residents who were unable to get out ahead of the disaster.—
Eric Kevin Stern,
The Conversation,
25 Aug. 2025
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That being said, the news is filled with articles about schools in similar predicaments taking more draconian measures or even being forced to close.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, this is just one of many decision traps a team can fall into out of pressure and respect, especially in times of uncertainty.—
Lindsay Phillips,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The traps, filled with water and detergent, captured mostly Diptera (flies) and Hemiptera (true bugs)—collected weekly during 15 summer seasons.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The sanctuary is a favorite of paddlers who enjoy the calm mangrove swamps, as well as kiteboarders who relish the excellent conditions at the park’s bay.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Since 1972, The Marine Mammal Protection Act has served as a buffer against this cacophony, giving regulators tools to limit harm and protect species from deadly entanglements, vessel strikes, and industrial noise.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
11 Sep. 2025
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Your relationship or connection to old entanglements no longer serve you.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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How To Harvest Dill Seeds Dill seeds can be used to make pickles, spice blends, stews, and more.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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The menu item features two patties topped with American cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Lawyers at Walsh Gallegos coordinated two releases of emails and other documents on behalf of the school board, but CNN reported how gaping holes remained, surprising and angering board members.—
Shimon Prokupecz,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
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Eighteen holes away from his first collegiate win, the possibility felt real.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quagmires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quagmires. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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