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
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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
Campbell’s first dilemma is whether to learn from the past, or shut it out.
—
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The remark sparked reaction across his social platform, including from members of the ultrawealthy who have grappled with the same dilemma.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
But for most Americans, this initiative represents not a solution to our prescription drug price dilemma, but rather a distraction from it.
—Ryan N. Hansen, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026
Reich faces usual Jets dilemma at QB With the Jets, Reich inherits an offense that finished last in the NFL in yards passing and 29th in both total yards per game and points per game this season.
—CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The remark sparked reaction across his social platform, including from members of the ultrawealthy who have grappled with the same dilemma.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
But for most Americans, this initiative represents not a solution to our prescription drug price dilemma, but rather a distraction from it.
—Ryan N. Hansen, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026
Reich faces usual Jets dilemma at QB With the Jets, Reich inherits an offense that finished last in the NFL in yards passing and 29th in both total yards per game and points per game this season.
—CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
This is a particular problem for Task-Ambience air conditioning (TAAC) systems.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
-
As a three-term Mecklenburg County commissioner, my daily concern is delivering common-sense solutions to our problems as efficiently as possible to keep the tax rate low.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
South Florida’s scandal Cherfilus-McCormick’s current legal predicament is much easier to explain than Mills’ multiple ethical sandspurs.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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But given the team’s predicament, and the sense that the squad needed Premier League-ready personnel, this was not the window to be pursuing youth.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Then comes the quarterback quandary.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
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At a house party full of caviar, one of the women, while immersed in a motherhood quandary, asks another if there’s something psychotic and untoward in her devouring piles of tiny eggs.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The bun was buttery and slightly sweet, the pickles and mustard lended a bit of tang to the unctuous beef patties smothered in melty American cheese, and the sweet-but-slightly-spicy Sassy Sauce brought it all together without overpowering any other flavors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
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Watts-That Soul Food Southern fried pork chops and catfish share a menu with wings, Kool-Aid pickles and more at this soul food truck.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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