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
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 dilemma
Democrats faced a dilemma last July after Harris declined to run for the state's top job.
—
Terry Collins, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This sets up a major dilemma for Isaacman and the rest of NASA’s leadership.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Brentford head coach Keith Andrew spelled out the dilemma perfectly after the match.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 13 May 2026
But a big dilemma for artists is that fans feel like art needs to be accessible and valued as such, and tickets should be priced below what their value is to be fair.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Terry Collins, USA Today, 14 May 2026
This sets up a major dilemma for Isaacman and the rest of NASA’s leadership.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Brentford head coach Keith Andrew spelled out the dilemma perfectly after the match.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 13 May 2026
But a big dilemma for artists is that fans feel like art needs to be accessible and valued as such, and tickets should be priced below what their value is to be fair.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
In other words, Greg had thought insomnia a problem of the rich, the weak, the useless, the indulgent, the lazy.—
Weike Wang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
But these problems are symptoms of a lack of housing and services, not evidence that policing is the right response.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
This predicament might be worth drastic measures.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
-
This predicament has been complicated by the president’s unprecedented attempt to influence programming at the wider institution.—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
That presents a troubling quandary, considering who’s waiting in the next round.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
In fact, many retailers find themselves in a similar quandary because tariff refunds will go to whoever paid the actual customs bill.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The drink, created in partnership with Grillo's Pickles, blends real pickle ingredients with electrolytes and Smoothie King’s standard fruit and nutrition base.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
There is a small amount of Gamle Ode Dill Aquavit that amplifies the savory aspect and adds an almost pickle-like element to the drink.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
