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
For his own reasons, Netanyahu has chosen to present the hostage dilemma as a zero-sum game.
—
Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a unique framework for thinking through your moral dilemmas.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 2 June 2025
Panel will highlight a case study showing one filmmaker’s path: from encountering an ethical dilemma to the library’s potential for helpful resources to resolution.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 May 2025
Many of Cuomo’s mayoral race opponents have condemned the spending, saying the PAC gives him an unfair advantage in the race and poses an ethical dilemma since many of its contributors have city government business interests.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a unique framework for thinking through your moral dilemmas.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 2 June 2025
Panel will highlight a case study showing one filmmaker’s path: from encountering an ethical dilemma to the library’s potential for helpful resources to resolution.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 May 2025
Many of Cuomo’s mayoral race opponents have condemned the spending, saying the PAC gives him an unfair advantage in the race and poses an ethical dilemma since many of its contributors have city government business interests.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
The senators invited two former CBS News executives — who both left, in large part, because of the controversy — to testify before a joint committee hearing in Sacramento to help lawmakers examine problems with a possible Trump settlement.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
-
But that doesn't mean that Georgia's problems are over.—
Samantha Highfill,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
In fact, the predicament of Enphase Energy illustrates the risks of heavily investing in a single stock.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Two boaters were rescued from a treacherous predicament on a raging river in Maryland, officials said.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
And so part of her quandary is having to deal with the disconnect between the weird stories that she’s grown up with and the fact that this has actually happened to her.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
10 June 2025
-
But more importantly, reality TV fans were hooked on the moral quandaries contestants faced and the wild adventures that aired on our TV screens each and every week.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Bake a tray of chicken tenders (store-bought or homemade), set out flour tortillas, and offer a few sauces, pickles, and shredded lettuce.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2025
-
Its menu includes the 8oz Trump Cheeseburger and the 16oz Trump Tower, both with fries, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and Trump Sauce.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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