in a bind

ADJECTIVE

late

Synonyms

STRONGEST

last-minute slow

WEAK

backward behind behind time behindhand belated blown delayed dilatory eleventh hour gone held up hung up in the lurch jammed lagging missed the boat out of luck overdue postponed put off remiss stayed strapped tardy too late unpunctual

Antonyms

WEAK

antique early live old old-fashioned on time prompt punctual

ADJECTIVE

tardy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belated delayed delinquent overdue sluggish

WEAK

backward behindhand dawdling detained dilatory held up hung up jammed laggard loitering not arrived not done procrastinating slack slow strapped for time too late unpunctual

Antonyms

STRONGEST

early

WEAK

on time prompt punctual ready

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.

Experts say this leaves both sides in a bind.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The situation puts central banks in a bind on inflation and interest rates.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The crackdown from regulators put Mason in a bind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

More rarely, I’ll buy books new, though usually only if I’m in a bind and need something to read for a trip.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

Howard’s insistence that his horse would not run under more than 130 pounds had put track handicappers in a bind.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

in a bind

Example Sentences

Related Words