problem 1 of 2

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
This security problem is dangerous in many sectors of business, including financial, travel, and e-commerce. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The senators invited two former CBS News executives — who both left, in large part, because of the controversy — to testify before a joint committee hearing in Sacramento to help lawmakers examine problems with a possible Trump settlement. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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
  • But that proved to be a challenge due to the sheer amount of footage.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • All of which is to say, Indiana is well aware of the challenge that the Thunder will present.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s partly because A.I. is a fractious and changing field, in which opinions differ; partly because so much of the latest A.I. research is proprietary and unpublished; and partly because there can be no firm answers to fundamentally speculative questions—only probabilities.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
  • The question is whether college added much value—or simply served as a costly sorting mechanism.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • What makes these situations even more troublesome is that McDonald said that there may be no access to Wi-Fi where travelers are vacationing, especially after being abducted.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
  • The request to Congress is seen as unlikely to meaningfully change the troublesome increase in the U.S. national debt.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Others, meanwhile, said family matters should be left for behind closed doors and not for public shaming.
    Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • They were raised during the internet boom, financial decentralization, and the notion that digital identity and ownership matter.
    Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • One of its most intriguing, yet vexing, implications is that if all matter and forces are composed of vibrations of tiny strands, then this allows for a vast landscape of possible universes with different physical properties, varieties of particles and complex space-times.
    Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Our recipe for success is simple and proven: the federal government invests in research, and universities contribute their workforce, time, space, expertise, and interests to deliver solutions to the most vexing challenges of society.
    Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • That’s every pitcher’s issue in their delivery, landing late or not being on time.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Scrutiny increased over Pete Rose’s Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility once the former Cincinnati Reds star died last year, as President Donald Trump weighed in with his own thoughts on the issue.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • In another worrisome sign for Israel, the Trump administration recently negotiated the release of an Israeli American dual citizen, Edan Alexander, without the country’s involvement.
    Daniel Byman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
  • Grayson Rodriguez won’t be back until at least June and has a worrisome elbow and other injuries.
    Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • From their early days on the Disney Channel to their happily ever afters with their significant others, these celebrities are now all grown up, married and in some cases, having kids of their own.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the February 2017 shooting of a 59-year-old water department worker and received a 30-year prison sentence, case records show.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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