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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 creek is known for having a sewage overflow problem and posing a health hazard to any who enter it. ArsTechnica, 12 May 2025 The adviser must also demand coherent excellence and strategic consistency in the NSC’s submissions to the president and be able to distinguish between a problem and a crisis. Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 12 May 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
Noun
  • The bail hearing in her challenge to her confinement came after a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration had until May 14 to comply with a district court's order to transfer Ozturk to immigration custody in Vermont.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 May 2025
  • Multiple civil challenges are now pending in the courts.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics?You can submit them here or send me an email atrdmorin@usatoday.com.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • That leaves one central question and, characteristic of Dylan himself, two ways to view it.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Teladoc’s BetterHelp mental health unit has been a particularly troublesome business as paying users dropped off in the years following the pandemic.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 May 2025
  • More lastingly troublesome is the general blindness to anything but race in her work.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • While compensation matters, the strongest driver of engagement is a sense of belonging and purpose at work.
    Nikhil Arora, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Drug stocks — Drugmakers slid after Politico reported that President Donald Trump was looking at a a Medicare pricing plan that would cut drug costs, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The height of the Soviet-era cruise missile threat was quite remarkable, but Beijing's ability to layer in many types of anti-ship weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles of various types, especially those with very-long range, is a uniquely vexing problem.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • In a vexing case, what was unheard and what did not happen proved to be the crucial evidence.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the formal selection of those individuals was paused after concerns emerged that prospective jurors might raise issues over the weekend.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • This allows organizations to simulate scenarios, predict issues and optimize decisions across their entire operation before implementing changes, fundamentally transforming how businesses manage risk and innovation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • But worrisome events in Los Angeles suggest that the Trump Administration’s emphasis on government accountability is quite selective.
    Mike Fox, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
  • Coupled with anxieties regarding a possible pullback in advertising spending, this created a worrisome outlook for the company.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • In Chicago, where there are about 60 IRS special agents working downtown and in the suburbs, the IRS has been particularly effective in public corruption cases, including the blockbuster investigations of former Govs.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • This is signaling the risen value of architecting wisely, rather than For example, the creation of a vehicle platform is $6-10B and many automakers haven’t yet realized a flexible, extensible, software-enabling platform, the business case quickly aligns with this sentiment.
    Steve Tengler, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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