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problem

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun problem differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of problem are enigma, mystery, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

In what contexts can enigma take the place of problem?

While the synonyms enigma and problem are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When could mystery be used to replace problem?

Although the words mystery and problem have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to problem?

The words puzzle and problem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When might riddle be a better fit than problem?

In some situations, the words riddle and problem are roughly equivalent. However, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 problem
Noun
The staff is trained to address residents who show confused or problem behavior. San Diego Elder Law Center, sandiegouniontribune.com, 24 Apr. 2018 Many people might be surprised to learn that undocumented immigrants are not typically problem children. Ellen McGirt, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2017
Adjective
Bergert had problems with his command. Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025 In the case of Li’l Abner, that dynamic poses a critical problem. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • This online presence includes social media platforms used for propaganda, communication and recruitment, creating a challenge for governments and platforms alike to manage the spread of extremist content in hopes of preventing potential violence.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Having spent years working tirelessly in pursuit of greatness for himself, transitioning into a leadership mindset proved to be a challenge.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But in the rotation and bullpen, there are also too many questions for comfort.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The complaint states Wallace could not answer questions during an open hearing before the Joint Budget Committee and Profiri stepped in to testify.
    Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Darrisaw will be McCarthy's primary blindside blocker, so his missing the game would have been troublesome for the second-year passer.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Let’s aim to stick with the straightforward nomenclature of AI psychosis as the proper phrasing and not meander into a plethora of troublesome variations.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These matters concerning candidate quality are nothing new.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The executives were able to meet with Pope Leo in a private audience that included others, according to a person familiar with the matter.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What follows are the observations of a trio of housing industry veterans, each with different takes on the extent of -- and possible ways to chip away at – the vexing problem.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But financial crimes are just one piece of the puzzle that has bedeviled the family for over a decade — another just as vexing is a bombshell allegation made by Mark Braddock, a former business partner of Todd's during the fraud trial.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Deadline’s deep dive on Desert Warrior last October revealed how the film encountered issues after its grueling 2021 shoot in the Saudi desert.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As Democrats push to extend Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, Cole stressed that issue and debate is outside of his committee's jurisdiction -- though Johnson could hypothetically direct him to attach it to the CR.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • More worrisome to me is how Penguin Random House continues to dominate the awards.
    Maris Kreizman, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The main road is one lane, and the level of toxins that surround my little hamlet of standing houses is very worrisome.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, clues and answers for today’s Mini are below!
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But the details of L’s case were striking.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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