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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
Since so many readers are ticked off about the crossword, how about getting Scott Maxwell to write one of his funny, yet true, columns about the dilemma/problem?
—
Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
That was the real-life dilemma faced by the main character of Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp, a new book by Tracy Slater.
—Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 22 July 2025
However the logistics are sorted out across continents, all signs point to a peaceful outcome to this unusual dilemma — reinforced by Tenzer’s first comments made to independent media about it on Friday.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
Wallace stepped away from MasterChef in 2024 while allegations were investigated, but the BBC now faces a dilemma on what to do with the new series of the show, filmed with the 60-year-old last year.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
That was the real-life dilemma faced by the main character of Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp, a new book by Tracy Slater.
—Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 22 July 2025
However the logistics are sorted out across continents, all signs point to a peaceful outcome to this unusual dilemma — reinforced by Tenzer’s first comments made to independent media about it on Friday.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
Wallace stepped away from MasterChef in 2024 while allegations were investigated, but the BBC now faces a dilemma on what to do with the new series of the show, filmed with the 60-year-old last year.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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More: Silver carp, harmful to fish and water, detected in western Wisconsin's Chippewa and Black rivers The group had done their homework on why these fish are problems.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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To avoid problems, make sure to compost or age manure properly before use.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 July 2025
Noun
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After announcing their predicament on social media on June 13, fans rallied support.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
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Luckily, Wayfair solved this predicament with its new apartment storefront, packed with storage solutions for living in a small space.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Serial helped spur the true-crime wave—and the many ethical quandaries that came with it.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
23 July 2025
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And that’s part of what has to be a quandary for a family whose legacy is significantly tied to Kansas City’s identity today.—
Vahe Gregorian
July 23,
Kansas City Star,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Boca Raton resident Pam Duhamel, who is originally from London, purchases a can of Heinz baked beans, marmite (a yeast extract used as a flavoring), a bottle of Branston squeezable pickle, and a container of Coleman’s mustard.—
Ron Hurtibise,
Sun Sentinel,
19 July 2025
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Sweet pickles: Varieties like bread-and-butter pickles have sugar and vinegar in the brine, which help to preserve them.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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