DOUBLE BIND Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

double bind

noun

Definition of double bind

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 double bind As if breaking the law would offer a symbolic release from this double bind, the third video documents Liden trespassing into the apartment of an anonymous hoarder. — Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Cast members of color, on the other hand, are often trapped in a double bind of sorts. — Shamira Ibrahim, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026 China is already facing a double bind of labor shortages in some sectors and unemployment in others. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026 This double bind can be traumatic. — Hind Haddad, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for double bind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for double bind

Noun

The audacious effort was designed to address the Voyagers’ constant dilemma—how to keep the probes running on an ever shrinking trickle of power.

— Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
Democrats are facing a dilemma and Michigan’s Senate primary perfectly illustrated it.

— Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026