variants
also problematical
1
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the problematic situation of somehow having two dates for the same party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
whether we should even bother finishing the project at this point is problematic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of problematic
Tokyo was on a list of potential destinations, but the Laver Cup’s partnership with the ATP Tour, which holds a regular-season tournament immediately after its slot on the calendar, makes bringing the event there problematic.
—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
What makes these foods problematic?
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
This, of course, is problematic for the homegrown haters because the opposing opinion from neutral outsiders weakens their argument and should strengthen our resolve.
—
Armando Salguero Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Experts say beetles can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on their stage of life.
—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for problematic
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
What makes these foods problematic?
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
This, of course, is problematic for the homegrown haters because the opposing opinion from neutral outsiders weakens their argument and should strengthen our resolve.
—
Armando Salguero Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Experts say beetles can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on their stage of life.
—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
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Aviation experts said those conditions would have been difficult to navigate that evening when the helicopter, a Robinson R66, crashed in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area.
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But traffic on the waterway remains a fraction of pre-war levels with different authorities vying to organize the transit of vessels, leaving operators with a difficult choice over which path to take.
Adjective
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During oral arguments, attorneys for both trans athletes had questionable moments.
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If the debt isn't actually yours, is too old to be legally enforceable or is otherwise questionable, negotiating may do more harm than good.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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The guest star’s fate looks dubious in an exclusive new clip released Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s sixth episode.
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Japan has long held the dubious honor of a revolving door of prime ministers.
Adjective
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Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
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So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
Adjective
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However, disputable refereeing decisions, especially in the matches against Italy and Spain, led to allegations that South Korea may have benefited from favorable officiating.
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Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
Adjective
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But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
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The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
Adjective
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Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.
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Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
Cite this Entry
“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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