dilemma

noun

də-ˈle-mə How to pronounce dilemma (audio)
Definition of dilemmanext
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

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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

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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 dilemma The dilemma reveals one of the structural flaws in American healthcare. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 If students have nerves about speaking on school grounds, those on the peripheries of campus don’t face the same dilemma. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026 The Ray-Ban Meta Audio ($349) solves the privacy dilemma by removing the camera altogether. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 One pull-up 3-pointer during Monday’s win against the Washington Wizards captured the dilemma perfectly. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
  1. problem
  2. predicament
  3. quandary
  4. pickle
Noun
  • Last month, the Kremlin acknowledged problems with food and medical ​supplies getting into Oleshky, saying its military was working to resolve them.
    — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, the Iran war, inflation and the debt problems are potentially about to get even worse.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • News of the rescue has gotten hundreds of reactions on social media, with many noting the dog’s predicament was heartbreaking.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Through one dangerous predicament after another, his stunt work reveals a performer who seems entirely comfortable in his own skin.
    — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • The sci-fi concept of a supersonic airliner became reality only after France and Britain signed a 1962 treaty to develop Concorde, jointly tackling technical quandaries commercial aviation had never faced.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The growing price tag to mitigate the damage and protect high-value trees from the next onslaught presents a quandary for local, state and federal agencies.
    — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of quandary
Noun
  • Most ingredients, including pickles and dressings, are made in-house.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Both bentos come with a sweet and salty cabbage salad, a slab of rice, crunchy green pickles, and a slice of orange.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pickle

Browse Nearby Words

dilatory
dilemma
dilemmas
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Cite this Entry

“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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