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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
But the most common approach to generating speech relied on synthesizing it from text, which led straight into another problem with BCI systems: very high latency. ArsTechnica, 29 June 2025 The Spanish also had a problem when two tropical storms happened on the same day, however. Tom Brown, Space.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • 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
  • Major groups like the Environmental Defense Fund, or the Natural Resources Defense Council, which employs hundreds of people and generate roughly $200 million in annual revenue, can sustain prolonged legal challenges to the federal government.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 26, CBS News, 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
  • The two men shoot first and ask questions later, leaving Nina to show off her skills with a gun, something bloodthirsty Billy immediately clocks as suspicious for a simple interpreter.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • To help out, the police send over a troubled (or troublesome?) detective, Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett).
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
  • According to Brennan, the most troublesome law enforcement officers were 5,000 men deputized by the U.S. marshal.
    Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 22 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
  • That's the gap between products that work and those that matter.
    Mara Dimofte, Forbes.com, 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
  • The show’s fourth season not only resolves this issue but also provides a resolution to Carmy and Richie’s longstanding feud.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Banks said pay was part of the issue, but correction officers got a 17% pay raise in a new three-year contact, negotiated by the Fraternal Order of Police, Jerry B. Haddock Lodge No. 86.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is especially important, and worrisome, as Carney has been a longstanding supporter of pricing carbon at its social cost, somewhere between the Nordhaus and Stern recommended values.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 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
  • Additionally, a systematic review from German researchers found 30 such cases in medical literature between 1982 and 2010.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 June 2025
  • Alice Johnson, appointed as Pardon Czar, plays a significant role in this process, focusing on individual cases and rehabilitation over political connections.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 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 3 Jul. 2025.

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