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Definitions

quandary

[kwon-duh-ree, -dree] / ˈkwɒn də ri, -dri /
NOUN
delicate situation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
difficulty dilemma embarrassment impasse plight predicament puzzle uncertainty
STRONG
bewilderment bind clutch corner doubt hang-up mire perplexity pickle spot strait
WEAK
Catch-22 double trouble up a tree
Antonyms
STRONGEST
good fortune solution
STRONG
boon success
WEAK
advantage certainty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Not disclosing digital manipulation of your photos has left you in a personal moral quandary.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Valerie’s quandary seems much plainer in that her show’s success would be a death sentence for entertainment creatives.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

It is a nice quandary for Slegers to ponder before the first leg of an intriguing Champions League quarter-final against WSL rivals Chelsea on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The uncertainty is a quandary for the Federal Reserve.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Normile had pulled off a coup in getting Seabiscuit to come down for the Agua Caliente Handicap, but now he faced another quandary.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand