quandary
3 synonyms for quandary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of being unsure what to do, especially when facing a difficult choice.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use quandary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in a quandary
a moral quandary
face a quandary
Etymology
First recorded in the 1500s; its exact origin is unclear, though some scholars think it may be a playful reshaping of the older word "wandreth," meaning trouble or hardship.
Full origin of quandary →Frequently asked questions
What does “quandary” mean?
The word “quandary” means a state of being unsure what to do, especially when facing a difficult choice. In plain terms, a confusing, tricky situation where it is hard to decide what to do.
How do you pronounce “quandary”?
“Quandary” is pronounced KWON-duh-ree (/ˈkwɑn.də.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “quandary” in a sentence?
Here is “quandary” used in a sentence: “She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer.”
What part of speech is “quandary”?
“Quandary” is a noun.
Where does the word “quandary” come from?
The word “quandary” dates back to around 1500. First recorded in the 1500s; its exact origin is unclear, though some scholars think it may be a playful reshaping of the older word "wandreth," meaning trouble or hardship.
