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
What was that dilemma like for you?
—
Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Coffee tables with storage solve one of the living room’s most relatable design dilemmas, keeping remotes and coasters neatly out of sight.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026
As almost everyone else in Widow’s Bay takes shelter from a storm that’s wreaking havoc and even sucking some residents into the sky, Tom goes to Ruth’s house and weighs a terrible moral dilemma.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 June 2026
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
—Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Coffee tables with storage solve one of the living room’s most relatable design dilemmas, keeping remotes and coasters neatly out of sight.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026
As almost everyone else in Widow’s Bay takes shelter from a storm that’s wreaking havoc and even sucking some residents into the sky, Tom goes to Ruth’s house and weighs a terrible moral dilemma.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 17 June 2026
OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
—Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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Common travel problems include flight delays, lost luggage, and unexpected hotel issues.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Plants that thrive in similar conditions eliminate problems later.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Noun
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Rather than allow the observatory to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, NASA turned Swift’s predicament into a test of an emerging technology — robotic satellite servicing.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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And Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, is apparently in that predicament.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
20 June 2026
Noun
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The controversial diplomatic breakthrough poses a quandary for Vance, whose aides see Rubio as his most viable challenger for the Republican presidential nomination should the secretary choose to run.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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In late April, as the race for California governor was heating up, Steve Hilton and his advisers at their Huntington Beach headquarters were in a quandary.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Layer the onions, 2 to 3 bacon pieces, and 2 to 3 pickles over the patty.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
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Add a small amount of pickle juice or vinegar to your egg salad.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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