CATCH-22 Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

catch-22

noun

ˈkach-ˌtwen-tē-ˈtü

Definition of catch-22

as in risk

a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized the drug lowers cholesterol, but the catch-22 is that it mainly lowers good cholesterol

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in dilemma

a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape the catch-22 faced by every first-time loan applicant: how to get a loan without a credit history

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in problem

a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices an environmental catch-22: building wind farms results in scenic eyesores; not building wind farms results in greater pollution from fossil fuels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catch-22 The Catch-22 Blocking a Cure There is no cure for endometriosis. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026 The catch-22 is that international expansion is expensive, which is why Hush is keen to connect brands with wholesalers who can aid the transition. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 May 2026 The court’s decision left medical professionals in a Catch-22. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 In response, Epstein suggests Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities, Theodore Dreiser’s The Financier, and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch-22

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22

Noun

Traditional studios might adopt Chinese models for some preproduction tasks such as concepting, but the geopolitical and intellectual property risks for commercial generations are too prohibitive.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Now in its 18th year, The Zac Foundation has provided free water safety camps to more than 25,000 kids in at-risk communities.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Deciding whether to include a second job on your resume is a common dilemma, as hiring managers often disagree on such details.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
As open source models become more capable, governments are going to face a real dilemma about what to do about them.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of dilemma

Noun

The combination of Olise’s footwork and Mbappé’s speed creates a don’t-know-where-to-turn predicament for France’s opponents.

— Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Potential romantic entanglement aside, these two have seriously different perspectives on Paula’s predicament.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 2026

Definition of predicament

Noun

The tension between the various competing interests is handled with nuance and without taking sides, all while showing both the pitfalls and the wondrous potential of this annual spectacle.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The nightcap for this dance party of an album takes an honest look at the unforeseen pitfalls and points where success was not a certainty.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of pitfall

Noun

Start with the Single Smash, layered with griddled onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and smash sauce, then explore variations from there, including a falafel smash for vegetarians.

— Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
The dog can also be served in a classic Chicago-style, topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers and pickle.

— Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Definition of pickle

Noun

His administration has hit numerous snags in court, with judges reaffirming that the Constitution gives states — not the federal government — authority over elections.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Gurman claims the foldable is still on track to arrive later this year, despite chatter about manufacturing snags.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of snag

Noun

Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn hit a flyout to Crow-Armstrong, who zigzagged a bit before making a slightly awkward catch for the first out of the frame.

— Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Shortstop Francisco Lindor backed up and called off the converging outfielders before losing his footing and falling right in front of Tyrone Taylor, who tripped over Lindor while failing to make the catch.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

Definition of catch

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catch

catch-22

catch-22's

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“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch-22

noun

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