as in dilemma
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either
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Recent Examples of quandary
White’s unpaid marker presents a quandary for Las Vegas, and particularly for the Fertittas.
—
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
This quandary was on full display in the aforementioned debate.
—Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Sigg’s story –– told to CNN and shared here for the first time publicly –– highlights the quandary faced by parents whose children carry out or are suspected of committing high-profile, violent crimes.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Because both of these feats brought Witt into mental quandaries that illustrate where his head is on milestones and where his head is going in terms of where his program is going in its third year.
—Brian Robin, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quandary
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
This quandary was on full display in the aforementioned debate.
—Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Sigg’s story –– told to CNN and shared here for the first time publicly –– highlights the quandary faced by parents whose children carry out or are suspected of committing high-profile, violent crimes.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Because both of these feats brought Witt into mental quandaries that illustrate where his head is on milestones and where his head is going in terms of where his program is going in its third year.
—Brian Robin, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quandary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quandary
dilemma
Noun
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Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Rodríguez’s dilemma is compounded by the collapse of traditional military command.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quandary. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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