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 But while that may serve Natthaphong’s interests to appear as the chief agitator for reform, losing his military foil could conversely prove problematic. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 For example, plants and fungi acclimate to the new environment at different rates, suggesting a potentially problematic asynchrony that could disrupt ecological communities as warmer temperatures creep up mountainsides. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 This is where our modern digital landscape becomes genuinely problematic. Jessica Ewing september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 While Miami’s defense isn’t at fault for this loss, their late arrival to the season is problematic because defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s unit, which finished the 2024 season as a top-five defense in total yards and points allowed, was supposed to be this team’s backbone. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • Winning that game won't be easy, but winning it without Lamb would be even more difficult.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • There will be times, like at a raucous Goodison Park last February, when Everton can rise to an occasion and make life difficult for their neighbours.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even Hinch, who has done his best to project calm and confidence during this dastardly stretch, made one of his most questionable decisions in five years managing the Tigers.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The group said there are a few small trials examining the drug's use that are methodologically weak, use questionable statistical approaches, and do not justify clinical recommendations.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In nearby Thai Town, don’t miss sai ua and khao soi at Amphai Northern Thai Food, followed by mango sticky rice at Bhan Kanom Thai.
    Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • An attentive banker can help monitor the progress of legal documentation, serving as an intermediary in case there are any sticky business issues.
    Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more debatable is whether the idea is probable, or even plausible.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 15 Sep. 2025
  • What's next for mortgages, though, is debatable.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, tinting laws can be pretty complicated.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Sustainability doesn’t have to be such a complicated topic.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, pressure for companies to boost moderation efforts and report suspicious content has largely risen from Congress and the public.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Sutter County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Highway 20 and Bridge Street in Meridian after a driver reported suspicious behavior during a traffic stop.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rams left guard Steve Avila (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s road game against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-0).
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Greenlaw is now doubtful to suit up for Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers, leaving next week’s game against the Bengals as the last possible chance to validate Denver for not placing the veteran linebacker on IR at the start of the year.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

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