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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 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
Adjective
And that is precisely the problem that could force the King to make decisions. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2025 The problem is that when those jumps are mistimed, United are left wide open behind. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • This presents a huge challenge to the body to circulate blood in the veins all the way back up to the heart with a pressure barely above zero.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Dutch Bros is a challenge for police, Chief Chris Niehaus said.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To the question earlier about Dak, that’s one of the great things about having a veteran quarterback.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But unanswered questions have frustrated some parents.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Common Challenges and Solutions Botrytis blight and mildew can be troublesome for peonies thanks to the heat and humidity in the South.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Radon gas, a decay product of elements formed billions of years ago during the solar system’s birth, is especially troublesome.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Coming to terms with colonial-era collaboration would pose one of the most vexing challenges in a liberated Korea.
    Kornel Chang September 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
  • In the immediate aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, one of the most vexing things occluding the facts of what happened was a general illiteracy regarding the online culture that had engulfed the alleged killer — its memes and codes and ideologies.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The issue continues to gain momentum.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • While many millennials and Gen Zers would like to buy a home, their finances are not on the level necessary to get approved for a mortgage, and lenders favoring male potential homeowners could exacerbate the issue.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So too is the departure of Pete DeBoer in favor of the offensively worrisome Glen Gulutzan.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The significant cooldown in job creation was worrisome enough to prompt Federal Reserve officials to cut interest rates in September.
    Michael Sasso, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Yes, bundling insurance can substantially lower your insurance premiums, in some cases up to 30% or more.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Chemical reactions involving the hematite can turn the rock from red to white and produce iron rich minerals, in this case an iron phosphate called vivianite and an iron sulfide called greigite.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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