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
If sources provide uncertain information that is nonetheless newsworthy, journalists have to solve the dilemma by providing the audience with enough information to judge the source and at the same time avoiding the impression that the whole journalistic piece is untrustworthy.
—
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Fascinated by this dilemma that travel ball parents seem to be in.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Fascinated by this dilemma that travel ball parents seem to be in.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
Third-rounder Keagen Trost could help improve the depth of the offensive line, but the Rams really could use another impact wide receiver given Davante Adams’ age and Puka Nacua’s off-field problems.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Be clear about what matters, then test small changes that won’t create bigger problems later.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After realizing their predicament, the couple was forced to swim to a buoy about a mile from shore.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Gonzales has been in a similar predicament for many months longer.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In fact, many retailers find themselves in a similar quandary because tariff refunds will go to whoever paid the actual customs bill.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
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How much to rely on that bot – and when to let go – is a moral quandary for the grieving former combat surgeon who had her license revoked after a tragedy.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some Cypress Village residents are beseeching the city to keep it that way, even as the HOA applies to let the pickle balling resume.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Much of the automobile industry is in a pickle.—
Jamie Lincoln Kitman,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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