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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 real problem, though, might be the material that’s earth-bound. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 June 2025 The problem is that for actuators to work at high temperatures—like those found under a car’s hood—the neodymium needs to be mixed with either dysprosium or terbium, distinct rare earth minerals which are not significantly present in the Mountain Pass ore body. Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 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
  • The months-long campaign by state workers and their unions to push back against Newsom’s directive has taken the form of protests, public billboards and legal challenges.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
  • Understand The Value Of Anchor Clients When Opening New Markets There isn't a right time, but more a bias toward when the team is ready for the challenge.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • While Vance was taking questions, a reporter referenced Padilla's removal from Noem's news conference.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Advertisement This sort of zombie—which originated the term—brings up the surprisingly tricky question of determining what counts as a zombie movie.
    James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not surprisingly, its 2025 proxy statement reveals the toxic governance triumvirate – incentives, incompetence and indifference – that lures troublesome attention from both hackers and activists.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The big screen has played host to a never-ending spate of troublesome man-eating sharks ever since Steven Spielberg's killer-fish spectacle.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans: The Seminole County Legal Aid office hosts a free monthly legal advice clinic for veterans to get legal assistance with family law and housing law matters.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said a deal was far from certain.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The reentry of space objects has been a vexing problem since the beginning of the space age, McKnight told Space.com, because there are at least three physical phenomena that all have large uncertainties.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025
  • This is why the story of his rise and fall—and then his rise again—is so vexing.
    Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Mental Health Concerns Like Suicidal Thoughts Mental health concerns became an issue of importance with GLP-1 agonists when the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System received numerous reports of individuals who reported suicidal thoughts and ideations while taking GLP-1 agonist drugs.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Orbiting at such a height helps reduce latency and connectivity issues during video calls, gaming and streaming.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Like worrisome termites, cockroaches have a job to do, breaking down organic matter in the natural world.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
  • Household ownership of the U.S. stock market is near a record, but that could be a worrisome development, according to Ned Davis Research.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The film is based on a real 2003 court case — and a subsequent book by journalist Masumi Fukuda — in which a Japanese elementary school teacher was accused of physically and emotionally tormenting a student, who allegedly came close to suicide.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Revenue Outlook : Decline, not stagnation, is the base case, with a mid-teens drop guided.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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