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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
Saft began to develop a reputation as a hands-on problem solver. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Life becomes a platform technology, a programmable medium for solving the world’s most challenging problems. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • This particular challenge serves many purposes.
    Joe Boylan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That posed a challenge for DBS, which serves clients across China, Southeast Asia, and India.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Any question which of those teams has a stout and sturdy offensive line?
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
  • With the season’s opening stanza in the books, here’s a look at what’s been learned about the Broncos so far, what questions remain unanswered and what’s ahead.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The problem of teacher vacancies at MPS — a nationwide issue as fewer graduates enter the profession — has been pervasive and troublesome.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Even thought Waller was back in the NFL, on-the-field success didn’t quiet Waller’s troublesome inner voice.
    Omar Kelly Updated October 17, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • How self-reflection operates matters because it will always be needed to make wiser choices about our toughest challenges.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Investors, who ultimately approved the measure, were asked to vote on the matter a second time at Tesla’s annual shareholders meeting to demonstrate their backing for the plan.
    Kara Carlson, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Any unexplained death leaves room for competing narratives, but Scott’s death involved a particularly vexing set of ambiguities.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Now heading toward the territory of when, not if, the most vexing obstacle for David Ellison and Paramount‘s purchase of Warner Bros Discovery looks to be David Zaslav — though probably not for long.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There’ll be a few challenges for him, one of them being his sobriety and addiction issues.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The criminal trial against the five players was widely followed across Canada and the sports world, and it was marred by logistical legal issues, including Judge Carroccia originally dismissing the trial in mid-May over the players’ defense attorneys’ behavior in court.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The large gap between the sides is certainly worrisome for Tigers fans who want to see one of the most dominant arms in recent memory stay with their beloved team.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The concern over their budget and the uncertainty over their health care coverage send her thoughts into yet another worrisome spiral with just two weeks until open enrollment begins.
    Ali Swenson, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The scientific case for exploration dates back many millions of years to continental drift when Greenland was believed to be closely connected to Norway and the British Isles.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Holt, who has six cases pending in federal court over civil rights violation claims, said as soon as he was transferred, the state began trying to get the cases dismissed as moot, citing his relocation to West Virginia.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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