problem 1 of 2

problem

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun problem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of problem are enigma, mystery, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

In what contexts can enigma take the place of problem?

While the synonyms enigma and problem are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When could mystery be used to replace problem?

Although the words mystery and problem have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to problem?

The words puzzle and problem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When might riddle be a better fit than problem?

In some situations, the words riddle and problem are roughly equivalent. However, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 problem
Noun
The staff is trained to address residents who show confused or problem behavior. San Diego Elder Law Center, sandiegouniontribune.com, 24 Apr. 2018 Many people might be surprised to learn that undocumented immigrants are not typically problem children. Ellen McGirt, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2017
Adjective
Both buildings have problems, but the city hall building in particular has raised issues because of its size, lack of handicapped accessibility, mold and asbestos problems, and use of lead paint, according to Johnson County Reporting. Taylor O’Connor 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 Whatever the specific parallels, the problem of how to recover from such assaults on the law and the polity remains vexing. Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • Chesky admits that remaining composed while covering these tragedies has been a challenge for him, especially as the father of a 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • While beating Real Madrid in the semis and (presumably) Chelsea in the final to raise the Club World Cup trophy will be a challenge, the most obvious pick at this point feels like the right one: PSG To Win Club World Cup (+140 at DK) -- 1 unit.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • At a Cabinet meeting last week, the president jumped in to field a question, directed to Bondi, about the July 7 memo.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
  • In product liability cases, damages may encompass broader questions about whether entire fleets of vehicles share the same algorithmic vulnerabilities, potentially exposing manufacturers to massive aggregate liability that dwarfs today's trucking settlements.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Otherwise, the 27-year-old’s immeasurable talent has been enough to compensate for the shortcomings of Red Bull’s car, which has proven troublesome since midway through last season.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Work will be done to improve a troublesome railroad crossing for motorists in the center of Mt. Juliet for the second time in about four years.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • But before that could happen, some practical matters needed to be resolved.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Creative minds in Hollywood and the entertainment industry have long had a role at the Central Intelligence Agency, devising clever solutions to its most vexing problems, such as perfecting the art of disguise and harnessing a magician’s ability to cast spellbinding illusions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
  • The Dodgers have become proficient at overcoming injuries with unprecedented roster depth and are close to getting to the other side of a vexing issue once again.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Because of its issues, the city was looking at removing the building and replacing it with a monument, or finding ways to do basic repairs to keep the building from deteriorating and use it in the future.
    Taylor O’Connor July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • The wide-ranging survey was designed to tease out how individuals’ perceptions and beliefs around key global issues and their personal economic outlook impact their purchasing behavior.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is especially worrisome since the Tesla launched its Robotaxi service less than two weeks ago on June 22.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • Baird analyst Jonathan Komp said in a note last week that some of the bearish sentiment on Wolverine stock is overdone, especially in light of its strong first-quarter results that proved its exposure to tariffs is perhaps not as worrisome as previously feared.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • No weapons were found, and no arrests were made in that case.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
  • The sound of an outboard motor – in this case, a 150-horse Yamaha four-stroke – hitting a rock is absolutely horrible.
    Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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