Synonyms of problem

problem 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-bləm 

1

as in challenge

something that requires thought and skill for resolution

the problem of world hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenge
• matter
• issue
• question
• case
• trouble
• dilemma
• predicament
• knot
• nut
• fix
• hot water
• quandary
• conundrum
• crux
• mystery
• quagmire
• puzzle
• glitch
• riddle
• pickle
• jam
• pitfall
• corner
• enigma
• spot
• Gordian knot
• snag
• mire
• hitch
• puzzlement
• hole
• catch
• toughie
• sticky wicket
• catch-22
• poser
• stumper
• brainteaser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solution
• answer
• silver bullet
• magic bullet
• panacea
• cure-all

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

• question
• conundrum
• interrogative
• puzzle
• riddle
• poser
• stickler
• quiz
• toughie
• stumper
• brainteaser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solution
• response
• answer

problem

2 of 2

adjective

as in troublesome

Related Words

• troublesome
• vexing
• worrisome
• stubborn
• serious
• complicated
• vexatious
• complex
• troublous
• involved
• abstract
• intricate
• scabrous
• abstruse
• problematic
• recondite
• inconvenient
• painful
• difficult
• onerous
• stressful
• burdensome
• oppressive
• hard
• tricky
• demanding
• importunate
• exhausting
• thorny
• discommoding
• exacting
• knotty
• touchy
• sensitive
• sticky
• tough
• ticklish
• dodgy
• tricksy
• hairy
• spiny
• prickly
• catchy
• nasty
• delicate

Dissimilar Words

• easy
• simple
• manageable
• straightforward
• uncomplicated
• painless
• effortless
• unproblematic
• undemanding

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

Recent Examples of problem

Noun

The problem worsens when residents keep windows closed at night for safety, effectively turning homes into ovens. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Adjective

Tracy Chou, a young engineer at Pinterest, is tackling tech’s women problem head-on. — Nathan Heller, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2014

The obvious solution to a non-problem MLB felt the need to address is to have the player on deck retrieve the bat at the plate and toss it toward the dugout. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023