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

Examples 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 Chief among these dilemmas is the portrayal of violence. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 How to think about human dignity Our greatest philosophers and spiritual thinkers have considered this same dilemma over the course of centuries. Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Dec. 2024 The series, which comes from Fresh Produce Media, follows disgraced astrophysicist Veronica Chapel (Brewster) through a high-stakes adventure of astronomical proportions – and even bigger ethical dilemmas. Peter White, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024 The dilemmas also extended to post-production, as Scott’s initial cut was nearly four hours long. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dilemma 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
  • If anything, 20th-century fights are emerging as plausible areas of bipartisan consensus, with Republicans seemingly receptive to labor and spending on infrastructure, while Democrats seem more open to deregulation and supply-side remedies to problems like housing and energy.
    Nate Cohn, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Nasa confirms that, owing to problems with one of its craft, the astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who arrived on the International Space Station in June for what was supposed to be an eight-day visit, will have to remain in space until February.
    The Week UK, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Having a deal that runs out on said date is a predicament that a trio of Barca stars including Inigo Martinez, Wojciech Szczesny and Gerard Martin find themselves in.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The legal effort was short-lived, as the federal judge presiding over the case quickly arrived at the same conclusion as Tagliabue, that Belichick was the one to blame for his professional predicament.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For Jodi Picoult — the author of 29 books, including Mad Honey, Handle With Care, and My Sister’s Keeper — politics has always gone hand in hand with writing novels about moral quandaries and familial sagas.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024
  • All of the converging factors post a potential threat to Trump, whose policies otherwise, such as tax breaks and tariffs, are projected by some economists to add to the inflation quandary.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The McRib features boneless pork slathered with tangy barbecue sauce and topped with onions and pickles.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Plus a food menu that leans heavily on Irish classics such as sausage rolls with curry mayo and Branston pickle, seafood chowder, ham and cheese toasties and crispy fish and chips.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near dilemma

Cite this Entry

“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on dilemma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!