rabbit hole

noun

Definition of rabbit holenext
as in dilemma
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape shoreline residents are finding themselves helplessly falling down a rabbit hole in their Sisyphean efforts to halt beach erosion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rabbit hole Chris is a freelance journalist who, when not writing or falling further down the Lego rabbit hole, indulges his taste for horror, sci-fi and the post-apocalyptic. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026 That level of detail means even the smallest uncertainty can send her down a research rabbit hole. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 My best friend was like, ‘That story is rabbit hole upon rabbit hole upon rabbit hole — no one knows what really happened. — Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 Alice tumbled down a rabbit hole; Lucy wandered through a wardrobe. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rabbit hole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rabbit hole
  1. dilemma
  2. predicament
  3. pickle
  4. hole
  5. bind
  6. swamp
  7. corner
Noun
  • Mize’s situation also highlights all the oddities surrounding the Tigers’ trade-deadline dilemma.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Posthumous publishing comes with its fair share of ethical dilemmas.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of dilemma
Noun
  • This predicament is not limited to the Wa, but also affects other regional indigenous and tribal groups, such as Karen and Hmong communities in the highlands of Thailand.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2026
  • Navigating this predicament requires thoughtful reflection and, more importantly, a strategy that won’t drive a wedge between you and your child.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • The wine’s dark fruit reaches the beef, while its savory edge accommodates the turmeric pickles on the plate.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix offered downtown visitors a surprise escape from pickle overload during this year’s Picklesburgh festival, turning Market Square into a living museum of automotive history.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Definition of pickle
Noun
  • Jerry Kelly birdied the 72nd hole Sunday (despite hitting the ball in a greenside bunker) to account for a 2-shot margin of victory over Gogel, Darren Fichardt and Cameon Perry.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays suddenly have another hole to fill in the outfield, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, the front office is exploring every possible avenue to reinforce its roster.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • The Hightower high lord and his armies have occupied Tumbleton and have Rhaenyra in something of a bind.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • States cannot file for bankruptcy, leaving the Prairie State in an unusually tight bind.
    — Gregory Kearney, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of bind
Noun
  • Georgia's vast Okefenokee Swamp is filled with alligators like this one in the swamp's Chesser Prairie area.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of swamp
Noun
  • His Cedar Island Drive house is on a corner lot of sorts, which throws a bow right at I-285.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
  • He was pulled after giving up back-to-back hits with one out in the fourth to put runners on the corners.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of corner

Browse Nearby Words

rabbit
rabbit hole
rabbit holes
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Cite this Entry

“Rabbit hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rabbit%20hole. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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