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
  • One of the world’s most persistent waste problems, plastics are durable and difficult to recycle.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But grass is difficult to digest for the mammal.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 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
  • The Cabana’s greasy floor was sticky under her bare feet.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The fruit flies are attracted to them and get stuck on the sticky glue.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • That’s debatable, but the sweet, vanilla-forward coating and pop of salt on top turns ordinary pretzels into a yummy confection nonetheless.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their double life soon gets complicated when a rival boy band harboring a sinister secret begins stealing their fans.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In many ways, that has made keeping up with news about King Charles’ illness much more complicated.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 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 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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