rabbit hole

noun

Definition of rabbit holenext
as in dilemma
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape shoreline residents are finding themselves helplessly falling down a rabbit hole in their Sisyphean efforts to halt beach erosion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rabbit hole That pushed him down a rabbit hole, watching every video on Hansen’s page. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 Even the Lindsay Clancy trial — hearing all of those conspiracies is fascinating, and I get sucked down a rabbit hole really quickly. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 But the tipster had some interesting information to say about this that led us down the rabbit hole, particularly about payments and vehicles. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 Sep. 2026 My rabbit hole ended, happily, in this serendipitous Hell Gate profile of the Williamsburg tailor who kept Interpol in fine threads. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rabbit hole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rabbit hole
  1. dilemma
  2. predicament
  3. pickle
  4. hole
  5. bind
  6. swamp
  7. corner
Noun
  • Although both recommended Eisenkot to the president, their support presents a dilemma for some of his prospective coalition partners, who have ruled out depending on Arab parties to establish a government.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Political ambition and demography will likely combine to create a dilemma for the state’s dominant Democrats.
    — Dan Walters, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of dilemma
Noun
  • Her discontent is shared by Sam, who’s in his own powerless predicament.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The marvel is how many times friends helped him out of this predicament throughout his life.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • Laila is in Conteh’s crosshairs for whatever reasons are behind her being removed from active duty, and Reed could get her out of whatever that pickle is.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The standard dressing at the 51-year-old stand consists of mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spears, and celery salt, and adds lettuce, green peppers, and cucumber slices (hot peppers are available on request).
    — Amy Cavanaugh, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of pickle
Noun
  • Midway through the third quarter, Riley burst through a wide-open hole and beat the Rams’ final defensive back for speed to race down the sideline for a 31-yard touchdown and his third of the night.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • This month, a series of explosions will blow holes in the former SS United States, sinking it some 25 miles off the Florida panhandle to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Previously, Justice Department attorneys have argued that seizing ships puts the government in a financial bind, so selling the vessels is necessary to avoid tens of millions of dollars in maintenance and repair costs.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Health care has put Americans and America in a massive financial bind, and no one is coming to bail us out.
    — Paul Markovich, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bind
Noun
  • Certainly one of those features that hits as nicer on the show floor than in a mosquito- and midge-infested patch of swamp-adjacent wilderness, the hatch opens up a breezy indoor/outdoor setup with al fresco-style dining room.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Two does and two fawns came out into full view, and a buck ran into the swamp behind a little rise of ground.
    — ANGUS CAMERON, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of swamp
Noun
  • Its hidden zipper and interior corner ties help keep everything neatly in place, while the warm camel hue pairs beautifully with the deeper plum of the blanket.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • In the far top left corner, a large toyon tree has become a focal point, with steps below it leading down to the flat ground.
    — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of corner

Browse Nearby Words

rabbit
rabbit hole
rabbit holes
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Cite this Entry

“Rabbit hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rabbit%20hole. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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