Synonyms for "dilemma"

Core Synonyms (Emphasis on difficult choice):

• Predicament: This is a very common and versatile synonym.
• Quandary: Similar to predicament, often suggesting a state of uncertainty or puzzlement.
• Catch-22: A specific type of dilemma where someone needs something that they can only get by not needing it. It's a paradoxical situation.
• Strait: Implies a difficult or distressing situation.

Synonyms with Added Emphasis (on the difficulty or unpleasantness):

• Plight: Suggests a serious or unfortunate situation, often one that is difficult to escape.
• Impasse: Highlights the inability to make progress or find a solution.
• Deadlock: Similar to impasse, suggesting a standstill or stalemate.
• Quagmire: Implies a complex and difficult situation that is hard to get out of.
• Horns of a dilemma: (Idiom) Being faced with two equally undesirable options.

Synonyms with Slightly Different Focus:

• Challenge: While not always a direct synonym, it can be used if the emphasis is on the difficulty of the situation.
• Problem: A more general term, but can be appropriate if the dilemma is framed as a problem to be solved.
• Issue: Similar to problem, but often used for more complex or systemic difficulties.

Which word to choose?

• Use predicament or quandary for general situations involving a difficult choice.
• Use catch-22 for paradoxical dilemmas.
• Use strait, plight, impasse, deadlock, or quagmire when the situation is particularly difficult or unpleasant.
• Use challenge, problem, or issue if you want to downplay the difficulty somewhat or focus on the need for a solution.

Examples:

• "He was faced with a dilemma: should he tell the truth or protect his friend?" (General)
• "She was in a terrible predicament after losing her passport." (Difficult situation)
• "The negotiations reached an impasse." (No progress)
• "They were caught in a catch-22 situation." (Paradoxical)
• "The company was struggling to escape the quagmire of debt." (Complex and difficult)

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By Jerry Ramonyai