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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
When their team leader Patrick, starts grooming Sille, Rie finds herself in a serious dilemma with a fatal outcome.
—
Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article Ted Hotaling and his wife Keely Garden had a dilemma.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
The 32-year-old woman, who formed a close bond with her 68-year-old neighbor back in 2018, is now grappling with the dilemma of whether or not to share the inheritance with Valorie’s estranged daughter, Sam.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In essence, that’s the most daunting dilemma of our times in college sports: how to construct rosters amid the relentless flux of the NIL/transfer portal/payday era.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article Ted Hotaling and his wife Keely Garden had a dilemma.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
The 32-year-old woman, who formed a close bond with her 68-year-old neighbor back in 2018, is now grappling with the dilemma of whether or not to share the inheritance with Valorie’s estranged daughter, Sam.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In essence, that’s the most daunting dilemma of our times in college sports: how to construct rosters amid the relentless flux of the NIL/transfer portal/payday era.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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Photograph: Javier Navarro/Quanta The trio’s reformulation of the problem was a major breakthrough.—
Leila Sloman,
WIRED,
23 Mar. 2025
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The government's own investigators have repeatedly found serious problems in immigration detention centers around the country.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA TODAY,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Chantelle and Kelly, two flight attendants on vacation in the U.K., spoke to Newsweek about their unique predicament.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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In the Heat’s case, the franchise’s unfortunate predicament stems mostly from personnel decisions involving veteran players, decisions largely made by team president Pat Riley with input from several others.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Yet the trade battles in particular present the Fed with an unusual quandary.—
Paul Davidson,
USA TODAY,
19 Mar. 2025
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But one of my adjustments took me a by surprise, and that is the quandary of how to approach lunch.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The sammy was a flavorful surprise, with a noticeably strong pickle and a soft pretzel bun.—
Erin Alberty,
Axios,
25 Mar. 2025
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Seafood trim is used to enrich stocks and sauces, and housemade pickles and ferments reduce waste while adding layers of brightness to our dishes.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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