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 But while that may serve Natthaphong’s interests to appear as the chief agitator for reform, losing his military foil could conversely prove problematic. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 For example, plants and fungi acclimate to the new environment at different rates, suggesting a potentially problematic asynchrony that could disrupt ecological communities as warmer temperatures creep up mountainsides. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 This is where our modern digital landscape becomes genuinely problematic. Jessica Ewing september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 While Miami’s defense isn’t at fault for this loss, their late arrival to the season is problematic because defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s unit, which finished the 2024 season as a top-five defense in total yards and points allowed, was supposed to be this team’s backbone. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • Ncell, Nepal’s second-largest telecommunications service provider, noted that shutting down all platforms at once was, in any case, technically difficult and warned that the move would severely impact business.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Last summer, after years of hip problems and some difficult surgeries to address them, Jill had an operation that went poorly.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Of all the questionable advice pinging around social media platforms, this one really stinks—literally.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Chargers said initially that Mack was questionable to return due to an elbow injury, but was downgraded to out after he was seen on the sideline with his pads off and his arm in a sling.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 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
  • Robinson's parents became suspicious after seeing surveillance footage published by law enforcement.
    Joshua Rhett Miller Jesus Mesa Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Mutch gained his freedom in 2016, avoiding legal trouble until last May, when a cybertip about suspicious downloads led Solano County Sheriff’s investigators to his home, according to court records.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • They were initially listed as doubtful.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Whether these demands alone will solve Nepal’s problems is doubtful.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!