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 The speakers sounded slightly more optimistic about educating recyclers to recognize and refuse problematic copper than lobbying legislators to enact laws requiring more accountability of scrap-metal transactions. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 Margit and Bonnie drifted further into Pam’s orbit and decided not to speak to Catherine, which made the lunchroom newly problematic. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 Human waste and trash overflows became so problematic at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California that the parks were forced to close, according to the association. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2025 The contrast between regulated ETNs and potentially problematic treasury structures validates the FCA's approach. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • For once, the bulk of the anger was directed not at Fosun — the investment group and majority shareholder – and the Molineux hierarchy who have conspired to deal Pereira a difficult hand, but at the head coach himself and his players.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Romancelandia’s social world, harnessed by its business-minded authors, may make its success exceedingly difficult to replicate.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the talk leading up to the NLDS was about the Dodgers' questionable bullpen, it's been the Phillies' relievers who have been unable to quiet the Dodgers' bats.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The chain has also recently reformulated its Member’s Mark brand to replace artificial food dyes and questionable ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, aspartame, and flavorings with natural options.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its sheer pink hue and non-sticky texture check all my boxes.
    Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That commitment was further emphasized by the addition of Reed, who replaced another sticky corner in Carlton Davis III.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 2 Oct. 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
  • Moscow has denied involvement, and security analysts caution that attribution is complicated.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • On a journey spanning four continents, the Kohlers will battle physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, navigate the complicated world of visas and hopefully break three world records in the process.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pyongyang has long been accused of conducting suspicious transfers of goods between ships in the East China Sea, which is bordered by China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Taiwan.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Digital asset treasury companies face SEC and FINRA investigations for suspicious trading patterns around crypto announcements.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Rams will likely be without starting tight end Tyler Higbee (doubtful, hip) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (doubtful, ankle).
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But some scholars are doubtful that’s routinely happening.
    Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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