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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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 became particularly visible in 2025, when Israeli authorities killed 262 crocodiles at a breeding facility in the Jordan Valley. — Irus Braverman, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 The ongoing dilemma continues a back-and-forth dispute between the tenants and the city, which had previously — and seemingly inadvertently — tried to shut down the apartment complex. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 The device time dilemma for parents and teens is now turning into a battle between lawmakers and tech companies, including heartbreaking testimony. — Steve Large, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 While synthetic alternatives solve the ethical dilemma, many of them are plastic-based and very difficult to recycle. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dilemma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilemma
  1. problem
  2. predicament
  3. quandary
  4. pickle
Noun
  • But there’s a deeper problem, by Dartmouth provost Santiago Schnell, as 100% AI-written.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The problem is, Isolde is very busy with work, so Ry is often left to herself with four alarms a day to take medication to prevent seizures.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of problem
Noun
  • Perhaps cognisant of the last time one of his fighters — fellow British heavyweight Fabio Wardley — was in a similar predicament during his bout against Dubois in May.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • While few family businesses are like the Lakers, the broad strokes of the Buss family's predicament are familiar, according to lawyers who spoke to CNBC.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • This is the quandary that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold - in fact the whole Pixel 11 family - places on Google.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The film succeeds not only as an examination of the extraordinary quandary facing the couple but also simply as a compelling wartime drama featuring excellent performances from the two leads, who are, like most of the cast, non-professional actors.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of quandary
Noun
  • The following month, Marcus and Bakhitar made another strategic decision based on their network's advice, submitting applications to sell pickles at Erewhon and Whole Foods despite barely having any history as a business.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The smashburger was the same as always, juicy and full of cheese, and the dill and pickle in the Caesar salad brought a bright and refreshing twist to the classic.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dilemma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dilemma

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