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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of catch-22
But there is a catch-22: If Musk continues his close ties to Trump, the company could alienate potential customers, both at home and overseas, who dislike Trump’s policies.
—
Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
The future Astronomical observatories on the far side of the Moon face a bit of a catch-22.
—ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025
Really, this is the catch-22 at the heart of the modern celebrity CEO and social media.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But there’s radio silence on how working ATCs are supposed to solve the catch-22 of freeing up time to train with no increase in staffing levels.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
The future Astronomical observatories on the far side of the Moon face a bit of a catch-22.
—ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025
Really, this is the catch-22 at the heart of the modern celebrity CEO and social media.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But there’s radio silence on how working ATCs are supposed to solve the catch-22 of freeing up time to train with no increase in staffing levels.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
Noun
-
And while the gas is well known for its short-term risks in occupational settings, less is known about the consequences of long-term exposure.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Some of the region's most prolific developers, architects, construction firms and more risk losing work if developers can't use tax credits to bring derelict buildings back to life.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
The dilemma about his son provides the bare minimum of drama to chew on, allowing Dexter’s focus to shift toward playful topics like his new cold-blooded buddies and the peculiar nature of his new playground, New York City.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
-
This case involving the MyPillow lawyers is just a microcosm of the growing dilemma of how courts and lawyers can strike the balance between welcoming life-changing technology and using it responsibly in court.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The show began without a hitch, but about 20 to 25 minutes later, there were whispers of confusion, then a panicked commotion.—
Jordan Friedman,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
-
Priyanka's promo for Heads of State appears to have gone off without a hitch otherwise.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Considering its financial predicament and wealth of center backs, Barca could be tempted to sell the South American warhorse if a European rival tables his asking price.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
But by making plain that the students were a token in his trade war, Trump only increased the uncertainty of their predicament.—
Lavender Au,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The consultancy cited the lack of C-suite sponsorship, as well as challenges around data readiness and process redesign among the pitfalls.—
Clint Boulton,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
That includes the pitfalls of fame as speculation swirls around a personal life he’s always kept extremely close to the vest.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
-
Some foods and drinks high in electrolytes include watermelon, coconut water, leafy green vegetables, bone broth, pickles, and more.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Hazards such as stump holes, ash pits, and hazard trees (snags) are still present within the burn area.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
-
The Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that a transaction could be finalized in the coming weeks, barring any last-minute snags.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Boone said Thursday that the hope is to have Mark Leiter Jr. (leg fracture) playing catch by the weekend.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
-
The catch is a pricey subscription for subject recognition, smart alerts, and cloud storage.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share