problems

noun

plural of problem
1
as in challenges
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the problem of world hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in questions
an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge there were only 10 problems on the exam, but they were all challenging

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 problems All three owners described problems appearing after very little use. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 If climbing stairs is challenging for you due to pain, weakness, or balance problems, check in with your healthcare provider. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026 Officials say a security-system failure and an order to resume travel led to the collision; unions argue investigators must examine broader safety problems, not just human error. — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 That is, using AI to fix problems and do work that slows and impedes the creative process. — Mark Schilling, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026 The general sense was that pulling Dragon and Falcon 9 off the market would cause temporary upheaval, but these problems would soon be ameliorated by Starship and its promise of lower cost and even greater capability. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026 Much of these are solvable problems, if the right people are engaged to ensure that the community is involved from the onset. — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Could the Tesla-SpaceX merger that Elon Musk floated this week pose antitrust problems? — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 County crews have responded to sinkholes over the years, making temporary repairs as problems appeared. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problems
  1. challenges
  2. questions
  3. issues
  4. matters
  5. troubles
Noun
  • Kenya’s own top-flight football league and national teams, for instance, have been riddled with challenges ranging from leadership wrangles to payment delays.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • However, their power requirements create additional challenges for facilities already managing substantial electricity consumption.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of challenges
Noun
  • And with thousands more expected to turn out to the polls on Tuesday, questions about election security are at the forefront.
    — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Sutter County residents with questions can call the county’s Animal Services Authority at 530-822-7375.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of questions
Noun
  • Though non-health issues — gas prices, the cost of groceries, and the war in Iran — loomed large, broad voter support for congressional Democrats could be taken as a mandate for the party to take bigger swings on health care.
    — Sarah Todd, STAT, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Despite an offseason of overhauling the group with different players and coaches across the board, the group is running into the same issues.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of issues
Noun
  • Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • Past legal troubles, scrutiny around his finances, allegations of infidelity and a 2023 impeachment.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Roger Marshall campaign troubles Marshall’s campaign didn’t help, either.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of troubles

Browse Nearby Words

problematic
problems
pro bono
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Cite this Entry

“Problems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problems. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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