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
Implications for Business For business leaders, the dilemma is similar: how to balance financial sustainability with ongoing leadership development.
—
Jason Wingard, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The field of transplants has always had ethical dilemmas and tough calls.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Some of them are these irresolvable dilemmas, one of which is his addiction issues.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Weight: 195 Brown presents an extreme traits-versus-production dilemma.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Jason Wingard, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The field of transplants has always had ethical dilemmas and tough calls.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Some of them are these irresolvable dilemmas, one of which is his addiction issues.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Weight: 195 Brown presents an extreme traits-versus-production dilemma.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
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The problem with that scenario is that Stroman, previously considered expendable, now appears headed back into the Yankees starting rotation after all, thanks to an injury to last year's Rookie of the Year Luis Gil.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
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The control problem: A barrier to real-world use Think about it — a highly advanced prosthetic hand is only as good as the user's ability to control it.—
Kurt Knutsson,
Fox News,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Now, there are clearly two ways out of this predicament for Leeds United.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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Is there a way out of our divided country’s seemingly hopeless predicament?—
Jackie Strause,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The long-time law enforcement officer has also emphasized his desire to see San Jose become the nation’s safest large city again, bemoaning the sight of locked cases at retailers and the staffing quandaries in the city’s public safety departments.—
Devan Patel,
The Mercury News,
20 Feb. 2025
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The Reddit community sounded off about her quandary.—
Erica Lamberg,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New foods include chicken bacon ranch waffle stick, pickle juice lemonade, flaming hot chili mac dog and more.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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Fact checked by Sarah Scott Think a hankering for pickle juice is just a weird pregnancy quirk?—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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