problematic

adjective

ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce problematic (audio)
variants also problematical
Definition of problematicnext
1
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the problematic situation of somehow having two dates for the same party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged whether we should even bother finishing the project at this point is problematic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective problematic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of problematic are doubtful, dubious, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When might doubtful be a better fit than problematic?

The words doubtful and problematic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When can dubious be used instead of problematic?

The synonyms dubious and problematic are sometimes interchangeable, but dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use questionable instead of problematic?

While the synonyms questionable and problematic are close in meaning, questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

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 problematic While many social media platforms give an option to users to flag problematic content, Vermillio said its service is faster and more effective than having users go directly to YouTube or Instagram to rectify the situation. —Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Curry’s original idea to launch a beauty line stemmed from her longstanding love of food and her history with problematic skin. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 July 2025 The affair is an embarrassing and potentially problematic one for those involved in the movie, which opened in May and has so far taken more than $10M at the UK box office. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 July 2025 Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
  1. difficult
  2. questionable
  3. sticky
  4. debatable
  5. complicated
  6. suspicious
  7. doubtful
Adjective
  • Speaking with director Joe Johnston, Oka explained the two most difficult things to simulate digitally at the time were human skin and water.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • They are often considered the most beautiful irises but can be difficult to grow.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The hardcore wipe in Escape From Tarkov got off to a rough start, with some questionable decisions or simple oversights that really hampered the player experience.
    — Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • With questionable Dolphins secondary, can better pass rush make up for the back end?
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Definition of questionable
Adjective
  • According to Hardy, this cream’s only downside is that the texture feels a bit sticky.
    — Danielle Jackson, Glamour, 9 July 2025
  • Michigan State University provides instructions on creating traps for SWD by poking tiny holes into plastic containers and filling them with apple cider vinegar to lure the insects in, and placing a sticky card inside to capture them.
    — Sophia Valchine, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Trump’s remarks targeting wind and solar are certainly debatable, but the direction of energy and climate policy in his second presidency is well beyond any real doubt.
    — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • But whether those are true All-Star-caliber numbers is certainly debatable — and the MLB selection did not take into account the issue of his health.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Definition of debatable
Adjective
  • That stark reality, Wood said, was part of what compelled him to write the book Among the lessons Wood discusses are the importance of healthy communication, the role of community support and the insights drawn from his own complicated relationship with his father.
    — Essence, Essence, 9 July 2025
  • While these may seem a bit too complicated for children, the kit is specifically designed for budding engineers aged 8 to 14 and includes easy-to-understand, age-appropriate instructions.
    — Anja Webb, Parents, 9 July 2025
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • For instance, the Secret Service security room agent, who is responsible for collecting and disseminating information, learned about a suspicious person with a rangefinder from a counterpart in the Pennsylvania State Police roughly 25 minutes before the shooting.
    — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 13 July 2025
  • The suspicious person with a range finder who because the shooter, many times he was spotted by police with suspicion.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Ticketing companies show support for Donald Trump's executive order, others prove to be doubtful of 'meaningful change' Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, issued a statement supporting Trump's executive order and calling for a cap on resale prices.
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • After delivering several flops since its inception in 2019, such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, the future of Apple's foray into movies remained doubtful.
    — Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Definition of doubtful

Browse Nearby Words

problem
problematic
problems
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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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