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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
Her previous owner loved her but had major health problems himself and couldn’t keep her anymore, rescuers wrote in a Facebook post. Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 But the White House seems to have done nothing yet to fix this problem. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 17 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
  • Iran’s Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni said six people remain missing as firefighters continue to work to extinguish the blaze, despite challenges posed by high winds, Iranian media reported.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The challenge — and opportunity — is clear: to create retail and dining spaces that feel as wondrous and essential as the rides themselves.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis and reflect on the pontiff's legacy as a reformer, questions are emerging about who might follow the 266th leader of the church.
    Katie Landeck, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But if ecologists aren’t involved in such efforts, who would collect the data needed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of industry? Answering questions about how scientists can best work with industry when the groups have different aims in mind isn’t always easy.
    Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Temu is running approximately 27,000 ads across Meta sites and apps globally, particularly in Europe and the U.K. That could be troublesome for Meta’s advertising business, which has gotten a significant boost from the discount retailer.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This meant that instead of simply stopping Ukraine from being so troublesome, Russia now sought to demonstrate to NATO countries that it could not be broken by economic sanctions or the alliance’s weapons supplies to Ukraine.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Holdings is in discussions with investors to raise about $20 billion, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
    Vinay Dwivedi, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In a subsequent filing for his nomination, Isaacman disclosed four civil casino cases: the two described above, plus another from the Taj Mahal and one from the Trump Plaza, a source familiar with the matter said.
    Karen Freifeld, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That representation, which spanned three decades, included some of Haiti’s most high profile and emblematic legal cases, with the names of victims and abusers alike reading like a who’s who in the country’s vexing political trajectory.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Central Park Conservancy, which has restored and managed the park for four decades, has higher ambitions: for Central Park to be a civic laboratory committed to confronting some of the more vexing urban policy challenges of our time.
    Betsy Smith, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Both sides ironed out a few outstanding issues in court.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Get access to the May issue featuring Lenny Kravitz and one year of AD for $3.33 $1 per month + a tote.
    Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Bond traders in 2025: The bond market sell-off is more worrisome than the one in stocks.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Given that, over the course of the show, White has written exactly one Black main character (though she’s appeared twice), that might be worrisome.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another case involves Venezuelan immigrants seeking hearings to contest their gang membership.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the case civil brought by James, Trump and his lawyers got to argue their case before the court at trial, challenging the witnesses and evidence offered by James and presenting their own witnesses and evidence.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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