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 directive proves especially problematic at National Historic Sites tied to the civil rights movement and others that generate discussion and awareness of the United States’ long history of racial tension and displacement of Indigenous peoples in national parks. Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 14 Aug. 2025 Here are the two biggest challenges companies face when integrating EAM software and how to overcome them: Migrating legacy asset data into a new EAM system can be problematic if that data exists in multiple formats or is incomplete, inconsistent or inaccurate. Rohit Prakash, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 The full-back position is now looking problematic with the season just over a week away. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025 Federal courts in different circuits reaching conflicting interpretations of law has problematic implications that sometimes attract the attention, and willingness, of the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Danielle Brian, the executive director of the Project on Government Oversight, a group that investigates corruption and waste in the government, said the tax benefit had historically been aimed at encouraging companies to stay in business during difficult times.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Reject questionable practices and products, and resist modern marketing, which has a short lifespan.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Merrill’s status for this weekend’s rematch with the Dodgers is questionable, at best.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Despite skyrocketing prices for TV rights from name-brand sports leagues, even smaller streaming services know their future will be driven in part by that particularly sticky tune-in driver for audiences.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • While high school visits are appreciated, their necessity and effectiveness are debatable.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some say the video represents a rising crime problem in the city, but crime statistics paint a more complicated picture.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The Code Talkers developed an extensive and complicated code based on their own language, which substituted key military and geographical terms for related images.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The body of a missing 15-year-old boy was discovered this week at a Detroit cemetery under suspicious circumstances.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Investigators did note that nothing suspicious was found, Rhodes said in an update.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the Bengals are expected to field offers, as a trade is no longer as doubtful to happen.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Players will be designated as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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