Synonyms of dilemmas

dilemmas

noun

plural of dilemma

1

as in problems

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

• problems
• quandaries
• difficulties
• double binds
• pickles
• predicaments
• impasses
• deadlocks
• quagmires
• catch-22's
• plights
• stalemates
• standoffs
• jams
• binds
• fixes
• knots
• pinches
• spots
• holes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breezes
• snaps
• duck soup
• cinches

2

as in predicaments

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

• predicaments
• pickles
• holes
• difficulties
• swamps
• corners
• binds
• jams
• crises
• impasses
• quagmires
• rabbit holes
• mires
• boxes
• rattraps
• plights
• fixes
• spots
• troubles
• quandaries
• kettles of fish
• sticky wickets
• jackpots
• catch-22's
• nodes
• emergencies
• soups
• straits
• crossroads
• hot waters
• exigencies
• deadlocks
• standstills
• logjams
• pinches
• scrapes
• stalemates
• clutches
• junctures
• halts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dilemmas

But strains at the top of the organization over its brand and direction reflect many premium news outlets’ dilemmas about survival and profit in a post-traffic, AI-ascendant media age. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

That’s just a small part of the ethical dilemmas taking place in the high school sports world. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

As a result, one of the oldest dilemmas facing autocrats is how to empower agents to carry out orders without also enabling them to turn against their leader. — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

The eclecticism of the show space tied in with ongoing design dilemmas for the British actor, who was nominated for a BAFTA earlier this year. — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

With plenty to build on considering the way running back Kenneth Walker III’s presence in the backfield is creating crucial dilemmas for opposing defenses that for too long have been able to just predicate everything on stopping Mahomes. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Like the genre itself, the final season’s lingering dilemmas aren’t unheard of, but the way they’re explored is unique, creative, and insightful. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

The show also posed sci-fi ideas, such as the potential dilemmas of time travel and encountering new and strange life forms. — Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

And what are the key selection dilemmas facing Arteta and counterpart (and boyhood team-mate) Xabi Alonso? — James McNicholas, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026