1
as in risk
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized
the drug lowers cholesterol, but the catch-22 is that it mainly lowers good cholesterol
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2
as in dilemma
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the catch-22 faced by every first-time loan applicant: how to get a loan without a credit history
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3
as in problem
a situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices
an environmental catch-22: building wind farms results in scenic eyesores; not building wind farms results in greater pollution from fossil fuels
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of catch-22
Kerr’s Olympics catch-22 Steph Curry was the obvious hero, but Steve Kerr helped lead the U.S. to the gold medal, completely accomplishing the goal set out for him.
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Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2024
To make matters worse, depression can lead to insomnia, which exacerbates depression, creating a terrible catch-22.
—Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2024
Xi’s growing alignment with Moscow presents something of a catch-22 for China.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2022
This proves to be something of a catch-22 when Ned brings his childhood crush Chuck (Anna Friel) back to life, only to realize that a physical relationship with her is now out of the question.
—EW.com, 9 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for catch-22 
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2024
To make matters worse, depression can lead to insomnia, which exacerbates depression, creating a terrible catch-22.
—Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2024
Xi’s growing alignment with Moscow presents something of a catch-22 for China.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2022
This proves to be something of a catch-22 when Ned brings his childhood crush Chuck (Anna Friel) back to life, only to realize that a physical relationship with her is now out of the question.
—EW.com, 9 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
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Peer counselors—particularly those who have not gone through extensive training—may not know what to do when faced with an emergency, like someone at imminent risk of self-harm.Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
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Today, more and more Bhutanese buy their chili paste directly from supermarkets, and traditional recipes are at risk of being forgotten.Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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As Bitcoin Suddenly Surges Toward $100,000 Price Now Hackers Are Using Snail Mail In Cyber Attacks—Here’s How Addressing The Core Issues Fellowships, workshops and coaching models have been created to address the pipeline dilemma and prepare BIPOC leaders for executive roles.Danielle Moss Cox, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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In fact, one 2017 study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that greater knowledge about sustainability is a source of dilemma, tension, and paralysis for people trying to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Hostin then helped Behar settle into her chair, as Goldberg maneuvered out of the predicament by distracting the cohosts with treats, as celebrity chef Bobby Flay made his way to the table with Thanksgiving snacks, and the show soldiered on without a hitch.EW.com, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024
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While these larger-than-life inflatables often glide along without a hitch, every once in a while, something goes awry due to wind, rain, snow or even a pesky street sign.Kate Hogan, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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President Joe Biden cast his vote for president Monday, and the outgoing commander in chief found himself in the rare predicament of waiting in line.Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024
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Netto and Schindler take pains to point out the irony of Iris’ predicament: Iris has emerged from the emotionally catatonic state that she’s been in since the day of her son’s accident… just to wind up in a physically catatonic state at the site of her son’s accident.David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Both candidates have reasons to be optimistic, as well as potential pitfalls.Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024
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However, choosing this route came with a myriad of pitfalls.Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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What’s unfortunate is that WWE is in a booking pickle because Gunther and Rhodes could use the momentum-building win at Crown Jewel.Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
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Poached from Chipotle at considerable expense, Niccol is in a pickle.Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The unfortunate snag here: Gloria Dayton is also the victim.Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024
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Satisfy wanted to build an ultra-durable pair of shorts that could withstand ultramarathons through desert brambles and snags or forests dense with deadfall.Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Wide receiver Nick Nash broke the SJSU single-season reception record with a catch in the third quarter to top Noel Grigbsy’s 89 receptions in 2011.Andrew Hartley, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
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Mingo showed some flashes in his rookie season, securing 418 yards on 43 receptions for a 9.7 yards per catch average.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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