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
Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is faced with a dilemma: end the conflict and risk the collapse of his government, or plow on and sacrifice international support.
—
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
Yet in the second and third seasons, characters and dilemmas have sneaked into new scenarios, enhancing the stakes without fleshing out all the details, so audiences can dig around for clues.
—Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Navigating this dilemma requires more than a stronger military or bolder diplomacy.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The National Women’s Soccer League, which raised its media rights fees nearly 60 times over with a series of deals that kicked off in 2024, finds itself in a similar dilemma.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 May 2025
Yet in the second and third seasons, characters and dilemmas have sneaked into new scenarios, enhancing the stakes without fleshing out all the details, so audiences can dig around for clues.
—Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Navigating this dilemma requires more than a stronger military or bolder diplomacy.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The National Women’s Soccer League, which raised its media rights fees nearly 60 times over with a series of deals that kicked off in 2024, finds itself in a similar dilemma.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
This security problem is dangerous in many sectors of business, including financial, travel, and e-commerce.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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But that doesn't mean that Georgia's problems are over.—
Samantha Highfill,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
In fact, the predicament of Enphase Energy illustrates the risks of heavily investing in a single stock.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Two boaters were rescued from a treacherous predicament on a raging river in Maryland, officials said.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Anderson follows Welles’s artistic boldness (Mr. Arkadin’s fractured narrative and idiosyncratic archetypes), but in his own visually eccentric way illustrates that spiritual quandary is not new to mankind’s experience.—
Armond White,
National Review,
30 May 2025
-
Choosing a timeless gift will nail the right sentiment, but picking the perfect timepiece out of a few (gazillion) options can present a quandary.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Bake a tray of chicken tenders (store-bought or homemade), set out flour tortillas, and offer a few sauces, pickles, and shredded lettuce.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2025
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Its menu includes the 8oz Trump Cheeseburger and the 16oz Trump Tower, both with fries, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and Trump Sauce.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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