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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
Acupuncture Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves placing thin needles into the skin to help treat health problems. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 30 Apr. 2025 The activities are sorted into six categories, all designed to teach different social skills, including teamwork, empathy, trust, communication, problem solving, and listening. Anja Webb, Parents, 30 Apr. 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 bail hearing in her challenge to her confinement came after a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration had until May 14 to comply with a district court's order to transfer Ozturk to immigration custody in Vermont.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 May 2025
  • Either way, her anti-Trump message is broadly the same, and will have to overcome similar challenges in breaking through a crowded media environment.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The question is: which horse will add its name to the history books on Saturday? 2025 contenders Every jockey, every owner and every trainer wants the chance to win the Kentucky Derby but only one of this year’s 19 horses will do it.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • This episode raises fundamental questions beyond Harvard concerning the Constitution and the meaning of education.
    Larry P. Arnn, National Review, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Algorithms are nothing new for dating apps, but reducing the human element in communications seems a little troublesome.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
  • María Paz Peñaloza Cabrera, 31, went to the doctor’s Astoria home March 28 to get troublesome butt implants removed, authorities say.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More On Voles Raccoons Raccoons are clever, opportunistic feeders, eating whatever’s readily available, including plant and animal matter, garbage, pet food, bird seed, vegetable gardens, and eggs from chicken coops.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
  • Both Sean and Carrie signed a stipulation and waiver of the final declaration of disclosure, leaving issues relating to child support, custody, spousal support, division of property, tax matters, legal fees and more to be determined privately.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The height of the Soviet-era cruise missile threat was quite remarkable, but Beijing's ability to layer in many types of anti-ship weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles of various types, especially those with very-long range, is a uniquely vexing problem.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • In a vexing case, what was unheard and what did not happen proved to be the crucial evidence.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • The issue became a flashpoint for the Justice Department in March, when Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer refused to add Gibson to a pilot program that had whittled a list of 95 non-violent offenders down to nine who had passed rigorous FBI background checks.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • The department’s interfacing with federal authorities will be among the many issues that the Police Commission is counting on Barragan to help monitor.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Legal scholars say the administration’s combative response to the Supreme Court’s order borders on outright defiance and is part of a deeply worrisome and escalating trend of Mr. Trump’s clashes with the courts.
    Natalie Proulx, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • That's worrisome because that group now makes up an outsize share of consumption.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Across the country in Virginia, where there are more than 350 active missing person cases, Billy Chrimes has been struggling with recruitment since the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The majority of the Venezuelans sent to El Salvador had pending cases in U.S. immigration courts.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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