catch-22

noun

ˈkach-ˌtwen-tē-ˈtü How to pronounce catch-22 (audio)
Definition of catch-22next
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 The Catch-22 Blocking a Cure There is no cure for endometriosis. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026 There’s a catch-22 for April stargazers. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 The court’s decision left medical professionals in a Catch-22. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 In response, Epstein suggests Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities, Theodore Dreiser’s The Financier, and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch-22
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch-22
  1. risk
  2. dilemma
  3. hitch
  4. predicament
  5. pitfall
  6. pickle
  7. snag
  8. catch
Noun
  • Al Hassan describes a doctor’s appointment where the doctor can review the patient’s history and risk information before deciding on treatment.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The city-state had tightened its policy in back to back in April and July, citing inflation risks due to higher energy prices.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • The Soviet Union’s 1957 launch of the Sputnik satellite posed a profound dilemma for NATO.
    — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The dilemma reveals one of the structural flaws in American healthcare.
    — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of dilemma
Noun
  • Both body styles come with Helmsman badging and a tow hitch for easily transporting small boats or kayaks.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • At least four vehicles struck the hitch, including the vehicle that ignited in flames.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • The relentless rain associated with Hurricane Isaias didn’t stop some hikers from venturing onto trails and greenways in North Carolina, leading to life-threatening predicaments, officials say.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Through one dangerous predicament after another, his stunt work reveals a performer who seems entirely comfortable in his own skin.
    — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of predicament
Noun
  • My parents were always a bit concerned about nightlife, drugs, all the pitfalls of what the nightlife could be.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The European Union’s long project to build the continent into a fortified zone of peace and prosperity has hit a new pitfall.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of pitfall
Noun
  • Sauces and pickles checked in the walk-in cooler are at 42 degrees.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Recently a box showcased sweet, custardy amaebi, salmon belly, chum ikura, uni, toro, Hokkaido hotate, octopus and kizami wasabi adorned with various flowers and pickles.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of pickle
Noun
  • Anything can be arranged here, from private wine tasting tours and hot-air balloon rides to hard-to-snag dinner reservations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 23-year-old Texas product, whom the Packers took in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, caught six passes from quarterback Jordan Love for a career-high 123 yards, including a 50-yard snag to help Green Bay humble the Bears.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of snag
Noun
  • Armstrong, appearing in his first NFL game as a rookie out of Cincinnati, hauled in a catch with an athletic play over the middle for 13 yards and a first down.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The interception came on a throw intended for FSU’s Duce Robinson, the Seminoles’ 6-6, 230-pound star receiver who had five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns on the game.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of catch

Browse Nearby Words

catch
catch-22
catch-22's
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Catch-22.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch-22. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All