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 While many social media platforms give an option to users to flag problematic content, Vermillio said its service is faster and more effective than having users go directly to YouTube or Instagram to rectify the situation. Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Curry’s original idea to launch a beauty line stemmed from her longstanding love of food and her history with problematic skin. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 July 2025 The affair is an embarrassing and potentially problematic one for those involved in the movie, which opened in May and has so far taken more than $10M at the UK box office. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 July 2025 Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • The project helped people in the industry see the potential for constructing larger structures in wood, which can be perceived as being difficult because of the rules around fire risk.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • In a region where resources can be difficult to access and censorship persists, the initiative provided more than support.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • With questionable Dolphins secondary, can better pass rush make up for the back end?
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The hardcore wipe in Escape From Tarkov got off to a rough start, with some questionable decisions or simple oversights that really hampered the player experience.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But just as she’s dragged back into the spotlight, her body begins to stage a quiet, sticky rebellion into a raw, absurd, and disturbingly relatable reckoning with art, womanhood, and the sheer chaos of being human.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
  • Mercedes has this just about right, even with optional 22-inch AMG wheels shod with sticky high-performance Pirellis, as my test car was.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, whether or not this type of use has less impact on social life or mental health is debatable.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • While the usefulness of AI features may be debatable, years of OS and software support are not, which gives Samsung the decisive edge.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The situation is even more complicated if short skirts are part of the equation.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • Experts say this order – and others like it – ignores existing science that shows the issue is much more complicated.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The suspicious person with a range finder who because the shooter, many times he was spotted by police with suspicion.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Eventually when interest payments stopped, the scam investor victims in the Ponzi scheme became suspicious and following an investigation by the FBI both Burton and Wellesley were charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • Some experts are keenly doubtful that those efforts will be fully successful.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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