quandary

noun

quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
Synonyms of quandary
: a state of perplexity or doubt

Synonyms of quandary

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Examples of quandary in a Sentence

Williams's quandary is not unlike that faced by other urban executives who have had to wrestle with a deeply rooted power structure. The problem is especially acute for African American mayors. They are expected to serve as sentries, protecting their cities' black communities and staving off so-called white encroachment. —Jonetta Rose Barras, Washington Post, 15 June 2003
For a sticky philosophical quandary, the questions are pretty simple: am I a clerk charged with selling college degrees or am I involved in a more meaningful experience? Part of me says that no argument is more worthy of my attention. —Lynne Drury Lerych, Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2001
… the inevitable economic quandary that faces a people in the transition from slavery to freedom, and especially those who make that change amid hate and prejudice, lawlessness and ruthless competition. —W. E. B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers. I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sci-fi concept of a supersonic airliner became reality only after France and Britain signed a 1962 treaty to develop Concorde, jointly tackling technical quandaries commercial aviation had never faced. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The growing price tag to mitigate the damage and protect high-value trees from the next onslaught presents a quandary for local, state and federal agencies. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 The Lanterns finale arrives at its existential quandary through a double-twist plot reveal. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 But notably, the company’s prototype satellite likely won’t do much to prove the technology needed to solve the cooling quandary. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quandary

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quandary was circa 1576

Phrases Containing quandary

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quandary
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Cite this Entry

“Quandary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quandary. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

quandary

noun
quan·​da·​ry ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce quandary (audio)
plural quandaries
: a state of confusion or doubt : dilemma
in a quandary about which to choose
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