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 There are logical, though debatable, arguments that the settlement paying male athletes more in damages and permitting colleges to pay male athletes more going forward is problematic under Title IX. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Second, the company’s China exposure is problematic. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 Spoelstra suggested this injury isn’t as problematic as the back issue that sidelined Robinson for nine of the Heat’s final 14 games last season. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 As the academic writing landscape evolves, EssayPro’s limitations have become increasingly problematic for students needing dependable assistance. —Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 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
  • Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).
    — Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Wiggins was listed as questionable on the injury report before being upgraded to available.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But one thing’s for sure: if trouble runs on espresso martinis and questionable decisions, this crew has already paid the tab.
    — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of questionable
Adjective
  • Pitchers were becoming too dominant with the sticky stuff.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Aphids excrete the sap as honeydew, leaving leaves sticky and susceptible to sooty mold.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Even his kill count remains debatable.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Whether any of the other teenagers on the bench could truly have been brought on is debatable with United having the second-half momentum.
    — Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of debatable
Adjective
  • Back in 2021, the starlet opened up about those complicated early days following Angel’s birth.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025
  • After a long, complicated process to get approved for the transplant under public insurance, the brothers had an appointment in a Chicago hospital in April to go forward with more tests for the organ transplant.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • At least 11 cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within 15 months, the alliance heavily suspicious of Russian influence.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Arrow Cross officers patrolled, checking papers, suspicious police officers making sure there were no Jews where they weren’t supposed to be when they weren’t supposed to be there.
    — Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Jamal Murray’s injury Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is doubtful due to right hamstring imflammation after missing the past five games.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • While Carvana has posted upside earnings surprises in the past, the investor was doubtful that will be repeated.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Apr. 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 18 Apr. 2025.

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