as in dilemma
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
the double bind faced by every politician: responding to scurrilous charges only gives them unwarranted publicity; not responding to such charges is often interpreted as an admission of guilt
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Recent Examples of double bind
The dynamic has put some condo owners in a double bind, Marcus said — unable to afford special assessments for repairs or rising maintenance fees and insurance rates, but also unable to sell their units for a reasonable sum.
—
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Despite firm commitments to advancing women into leadership roles, significant barriers remain, starting with the double bind.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
The concept evidently places defense lawyers in a double bind.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
The double bind highlights the hypocrisy women face at work.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Despite firm commitments to advancing women into leadership roles, significant barriers remain, starting with the double bind.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for double bind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind
Noun
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Defensive dilemmas While Arsenal attackers are a challenge to back with rotation expected due to the Champions League, there may be some stability among their goalkeeper and central defenders.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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The action in Rust is propelled by an accidental killing and its central moral dilemma concerns an infamous man trying to do the right thing.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Are some flights more likely to experience crew duty clock problems?—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Those are problems that another manager might have a better chance of addressing heading into next season.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Double bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20bind. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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