variants also problematical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective problematic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of problematic are doubtful, dubious, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When might doubtful be a better fit than problematic?

The words doubtful and problematic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When can dubious be used instead of problematic?

The synonyms dubious and problematic are sometimes interchangeable, but dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use questionable instead of problematic?

While the synonyms questionable and problematic are close in meaning, questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

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 problematic During the formative phase of the infant American republic, when its survival was still problematic, iconic founders performed a valuable function as reliable sources of unquestioned wisdom, a veritable gallery of Delphic oracles available on demand. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 So far, his plans have involved sending the National Guard into problematic areas. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Casey Newmeyer, a marketing professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, agreed, adding Dolly’s new brand name and its temporary signage on diners were likely problematic. Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2025 Someone sent Nicky photos of his wife, Sofia, making out with the problematic Mayor. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • Cue, Helm’s first rejection, abandonment, difficult emotions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This character was actually quite difficult for me.
    Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But for Dylan, going from Jew to Jesus freak—however slack a Jew he’d been—was no more questionable or embarrassing to him than going from acoustic to electric.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • But Gates said that past investments fighting climate change have been misplaced, and too much good money has been put into expensive and questionable efforts.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some rat poison pellets and sticky pads were being used to treat the problem.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Your head hurts, your socks are sticky, and you’re supposed to be focused on winning a championship.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And there are people with theological and philosophical bents who use the BGV theorem to bolster their preferred arguments over how the Universe ultimately began, with dubious and debatable results.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Whether girls are reaching puberty six years earlier than previously is debatable—a 2024 study found a shift of only six months, not six years.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So rather than shy away from complicated female roles, Falco embraces them.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
  • If an app is too complicated, people won’t use it.
    Rebecca Lazar, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some impersonated tax officers to frighten British pensioners into draining their life savings into suspicious bank accounts; others peddled irresistible student loan offers to American high schoolers.
    Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Police said officers were dispatched and arrived within two minutes of the 911 call — first reported as a suspicious event and later upgraded to a burglary in progress — and that the Criminal Investigations Bureau dedicated more than 100 investigative hours to identifying those involved.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tackle Josh Simmons is out due to a personal matter, while guard Trey Smith is doubtful with a back injury.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to the initial player availability report, Horned Frogs offensive lineman Cade Bennett, wide receiver Ed Small and running back Jeremy Payne are all listed as doubtful.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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