problem 1 of 2

Definition of problemnext

problem

2 of 2

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
Those conversations taught him to look at himself as someone who could solve problems. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Please stay vigilant and avoid any activities that could add to the problem. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 27 June 2026
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
  • Councilwoman Deborah Peoples hosted a Mosier Valley Community meeting at Texas Star Conference Center in Euless on Wednesday evening to provide an update on the progress and plans for Mosier Valley Park, which has faced delays and funding challenges since 2014.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Those also include new regulations on mail-in voting that are likewise facing legal challenges.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • By simply looking at the exam paper, the glasses could transmit questions to a connected AI large language models, which generated answers and displayed them on the lenses.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Gina Martinez, chair of the executive board of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council, said the land in question provides a vital buffer between port activity and residential communities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The show about the white-picket fence Cleaver family and their troublesome son created a foundational image of post-war Americana that has been so influential, the show’s title is a shorthand for this era of conservative nuclear family values.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • One of the troublesome sounds for writers was /w/.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The news comes as Lackland Air Force Base in Texas — home to the Air Force's Basic Military Training program — grapples with a flu outbreak that has infected 275 people in recent weeks, a congressional staffer with knowledge of the matter told CBS News.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • To make matters worse, microbiome testing has gotten cheaper and faster, but not more accurate.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The annual Group of 7 summit for decades has been an occasion for the heads of state of Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and the United States to meet as friends and try to hash out a collective approach to the vexing problems of the day.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
  • Cardholders struggle with inflation, interest rates Cardholders are still struggling with a vexing combination of elevated inflation and interest rates.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • With ballots set to be printed this week, the issue was appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court on an expedited basis, with both sides filing court papers over the weekend.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Leaders often misunderstand good work, relying on perks rather than addressing core structural issues.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, go back to a comment Waddell made to me on Tuesday at the Board of Governors meeting in New York City, responding to a question about the likes of Dylan Larkin and Brady Tkachuk and whether that was a worrisome trend for teams around the league.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Unfortunately, there are cases where an individual’s illness is so advanced that there is no curative treatment available.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
  • Around 100 immigration cases are scheduled at one time and respondents must attend in person, a practice that has strained an already overwhelmed system and further complicated the shifting legal landscape, attorneys working in the court say.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on problem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster