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 This is, again, where things become problematic. Alice Vernon september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 The fact Miami didn’t elevate a tight end means the Dolphins will face the Colts with only two tight ends — Julian Hill and Tanner Conner — on the game day roster, which could be problematic if one of those two suffers an injury because Miami’s two-tight end set is their base offensive package. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 There has also been a rise in efforts to combat the negative effects of problematic ingredients in beauty products in the United States. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 The New Zealand/Māori Wars name change gets at a wider point that naming conflicts after one participant can be problematic, especially when there is a power imbalance. Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • The Bulls look to be the best team in the Group of Five conferences, while the Gators and coach Billy Napier are now under pressure with a difficult SEC schedule ahead.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Usually the final day of boot camp is most difficult.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the faith was questionable.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Though Andre officially ended things with his other flame, Ashley (Jen Jacob), Dani's daughter's abduction has forced her to spend some questionable quality time with her ex-husband Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), who, it should be noted, shares a last name with Devon Winters' birth mother Yolanda.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • According to San Angelo, some signs of a dirty microwave filter include if they are discolored, sticky, and/or sometimes smell like grease.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sapodilla, a pear-like fruit that looks like a coconut, adds a malty butterscotch intensity to a sticky toffee pudding.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether their intentions are praiseworthy is debatable.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The game's overall quality is debatable; what isn't is its profound impact on pro football.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This narrative has taken center stage over a far more complicated and interesting reality.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • With the success of TV shows like Hacks and The White Lotus, which explore the beautifully complicated, often messy inner lives of women who don’t fit the ingenue mold, perhaps more production companies will take chances on similar shows.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now in season 5, the mystery continues with the suspicious death of Lester (Teddy Coluca), the Arconia’s doorman.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • More Evan Bernstein/Getty Images Point guard Terry Rozier, who has only a partial guarantee on his contract for 2025-26, remains under federal investigation for suspicious gambling activity, per ESPN's David Purdum.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rookie Jordan James is doubtful, and Shanahan acknowledged that practice-squad rusher Sincere McCormick could get elevated if needed.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ekwonu ‘doubtful’ for Panthers in Week 1 Left tackle Ickey Ekwonu (appendectomy) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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