1
as in problem
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
faced with a dilemma of whether to risk continuing to drive in the dangerous storm or to give up searching for the lost dog and hope he survived
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
with home prices in a free fall, sellers were in a terrible dilemma
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
The story captures the dilemma between the ephemeral and the eternal inherent in any attempt to pin down the soul.
—
David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Those on the conference call would likely face very human dilemmas, and that might lead them to deviate from the rules, added Erin Dumbacher, an expert in nuclear policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Political obstacles The electoral dispute highlights Somalia’s ongoing political dilemmas.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Those on the conference call would likely face very human dilemmas, and that might lead them to deviate from the rules, added Erin Dumbacher, an expert in nuclear policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Political obstacles The electoral dispute highlights Somalia’s ongoing political dilemmas.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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The viral post, which received more than 3,000 upvotes on Reddit, is filled with dozens of comments of fellow travelers chiming in with their own tips and tricks using personal experiences solving delay problems.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
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DeSantis has urged lawmakers in Tallahassee to come up with a plan to ease the burden on Florida homeowners, but has expressed frustration with their approach to the problem.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The work chronicles Pan Am’s predicament during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the flying boat service the carrier had in the Pacific.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
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The city’s current trash predicament traces back to Measure B, a city ballot measure passed in 2022 that ended the decades-long practice of San Diego providing free trash service to single-family homes and many small townhome and apartment complexes.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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The real quandary will be what Miami’s new staff does with Tagovailoa in the offseason with his immense 2026 salary cap hit (north of $50 million).—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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It’s all put Indiana into a rather unique pickle.—
Dana O'Neil,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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The popular pickle sandwich is coming back to Jimmy John’s, and with more options.—
Helena Wegner,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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