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di·lem·ma

dilemma

 
 
pronunciation:
dih le m
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a problem situation that requires a choice between equally undesirable solutions or that resists satisfactory solution.
Parents found themselves in a dilemma having to choose between sending their children away for safety from the bombs or keeping their families together while risking their lives.
 
synonyms:
Catch-22, predicament
similar words:
bind, box, double bind, fix, plight, poser, puzzle, quagmire, quandary, rub
definition 2: (informal) any difficult and perplexing situation; predicament.
We were in a real dilemma after our wallets were stolen during our vacation.
synonyms:
box, fix, pickle, predicament, quandary
similar words:
bind, corner, double bind, hot water, knot, mess, pinch, plight, poser, quagmire, rub, scrape, strait
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