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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dilemma
Then last week, another older contestant decided during a moral dilemma scenario to take $650,000 from a pot of money for himself and leave only $27,000 for the remaining contestants to split.
—
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025
But some of the most ethically challenging cases, in both pediatric and adult medicine, now present the opposite dilemma: Doctors want to stop aggressive treatments, but families insist on continuing them.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a new framework for thinking through your ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Feb. 2025
Another possibility: Trump’s blueprint could drive inflation higher while also weakening the economy – an unusual tandem that would pose a vexing dilemma for the Fed.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dilemma 
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025
But some of the most ethically challenging cases, in both pediatric and adult medicine, now present the opposite dilemma: Doctors want to stop aggressive treatments, but families insist on continuing them.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a new framework for thinking through your ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Feb. 2025
Another possibility: Trump’s blueprint could drive inflation higher while also weakening the economy – an unusual tandem that would pose a vexing dilemma for the Fed.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
Noun
-
For 47 games, the Lakers tried to solve the problems their roster presented, finding the best ways to cover up their flaws, accentuate their strengths and maximize their potential.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2025
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Throwing money at the problem isn’t always the solution.—
Michael Cox,
The Athletic,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That is the predicament Leicester have found themselves in for the last three seasons.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
4 Feb. 2025
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Was That a 900 or 1080 on the Halfpipe? X Games Can Now Ask A.I. Image The predicament of Yitzhak Horn embodied the conflict that many feel on the Israeli left.—
Patrick Kingsley,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The predictably infuriating nature of those earlier scenes have all been building to these later passages, which now force this family into a heartbreaking and unexpected quandary.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
25 Jan. 2025
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Ethical quandaries, technical limits and enemies' shifting tactics highlight the importance of using AI solutions carefully and thoughtfully.—
Rohan Pinto,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In the 15-second teaser, the actor can be seen wearing a classic tuxedo, offering to open a jar of pickles for the wrestler struggling to open the lid.—
Carly Thomas,
The Hollywood Reporter,
30 Jan. 2025
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Jars of free housemade pickles have become customer favorites as well.—
Benjy Egel,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dilemma
Cite this Entry
“Dilemma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilemma. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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