quandary

Definition of quandary

a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation

Synonyms for quandary

• plight
• conundrum
• predicament

quandary in a Sentence

1. Choosing between the two job offers left her in a quandary.

Why quandary Matters for GRE & SAT

"quandary" is a noun that means "a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation" closely related to words like "plight", "conundrum", "predicament". As a word starting with Q, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "quandary" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "quandary" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "quandary" into long-term memory.

How to Remember quandary

One effective way to remember "quandary" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "plight" and "conundrum" and "predicament". When you encounter "quandary" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "quandary" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with Q

• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something
• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
• qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
• quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
• quantitative — Relating to, measuring, or measured by quantity
• quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease
• quash — void or suppress
• quell — To put an end to a rebellion or disturbance by force
• query — A question, especially one expressing doubt
• quibble — complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner