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
Implications for Business For business leaders, the dilemma is similar: how to balance financial sustainability with ongoing leadership development.
—
Jason Wingard, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The field of transplants has always had ethical dilemmas and tough calls.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Some of them are these irresolvable dilemmas, one of which is his addiction issues.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Weight: 195 Brown presents an extreme traits-versus-production dilemma.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Jason Wingard, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The field of transplants has always had ethical dilemmas and tough calls.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Some of them are these irresolvable dilemmas, one of which is his addiction issues.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Weight: 195 Brown presents an extreme traits-versus-production dilemma.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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Air traffic controllers would continue to work, though there have been problems with absenteeism during previous shutdowns.—
Riley Beggin,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
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Ben Edwards, Global Marketing Leader: Specialized is all about innovation, about solving problems for riders.—
William Roberson,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Now, there are clearly two ways out of this predicament for Leeds United.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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Is there a way out of our divided country’s seemingly hopeless predicament?—
Jackie Strause,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Bears were in a familiar quandary — searching for a quarterback — and used a first-round pick on Rex Grossman in 2003.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2025
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By keeping us in suspense, Fogelman misses opportunities to engage with the many moral and political quandaries (let alone address the practical impossibilities) inherent in the world of Paradise.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New foods include chicken bacon ranch waffle stick, pickle juice lemonade, flaming hot chili mac dog and more.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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Fact checked by Sarah Scott Think a hankering for pickle juice is just a weird pregnancy quirk?—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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