problem 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-bləm How to pronounce problem (audio)
Definition of problemnext
1
as in challenge
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the problem of world hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in question
an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge there were only 10 problems on the exam, but they were all challenging

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

problem

2 of 2

adjective

as in troublesome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
This is a better, more fraud resistant, approach to the problem of getting information in order to make a transaction. —David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 The audit found that there were systemic problems including missing and unaccounted-for arrow keys and inadequate oversight in the region. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
  1. challenge
  2. question
  3. troublesome
  4. matter
  5. vexing
  6. issue
  7. worrisome
  8. case
Noun
  • The metrics on which companies are required to report are likely to be reduced and simplified, but regulatory compliance still remains a data challenge that requires integrated solutions.
    — Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The challenge also serves as a test case that could give lawmakers insight into whether expanding the broad exemption to other vaccinations could fly legally.
    — Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of challenge
Noun
  • And that means not just asking the right questions, but doing it differently from the others zillion candidates who read books on interviewing, memorize 50 questions, and regurgitate them robotically.
    — Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There can be no question that this group is competing for one another, in a way that the Canucks too often didn’t earlier this season.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of question
Adjective
  • The new apartment building at 3627-3633 N. Sheffield typifies this troublesome direction.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • This classic tale helped make Taylor a star, giving her a showcase as a young woman who dreams of entering a troublesome horse in England's Grand National steeplechase.
    — EW Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of troublesome
Noun
  • Both Amazon and TikTok declined to comment on the matter.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Astronomers look to the BAO scale, with separations of matter by about 480 million light-years, as a standard ruler.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of matter
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the Gloria administration is still struggling with the vexing crisis of homelessness.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Such revelations would open up incredible opportunities for new research and potentially explain vexing problems such as dark energy and the Hubble tension.
    — Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of vexing
Noun
  • Unfortunately, for many people, acute LBP doesn’t resolve and becomes a chronic issue.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The establishment fixed the issue and was able to reopen the next day after a follow-up inspection.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of issue
Adjective
  • What makes the hormone worrisome is when it's released too often or for extended periods of time.
    — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey was called for a technical foul after screaming at an official, but that was the least worrisome incident.
    — Ryan Morik, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of worrisome
Noun
  • Again, this is a case of humans using AI to persuade people to adopt their views rather than an indication that AI is extreme or prone to suggesting extreme ideas and behaviors.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In it, Blanche outlines a decentralized approach in which U.S. attorney’s offices will now take the lead on digital asset cases, focusing primarily on crimes involving terrorism.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of case

Browse Nearby Words

probity
problem
problematic
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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on problem

Nglish: Translation of problem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about problem

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