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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
But the rollout was anything but an innovative whirlwind; the launch was so bad that OpenAI was forced to restore access to GPT-4 while the problems got smoothed out. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 The current problem of AI knockoff books seems to have originated from the online KDP side hustle community. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • As a direct result of this, businesses end up with managers who aren’t confident in their ability to lead, and who struggle to deal with the various challenges that come with managing people, leading both employees and struggling managers to resign.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Their mechanisms of play have stayed constant, and present a challenge for Amorim to solve.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Typically, programs go back and forth with specialists to hammer out grant details and questions in the months ahead of the disbursement date.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Both experts noted that while the current package supports growth, the widening gap between low unemployment and soaring deficits poses questions about the viability of America’s debt.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1917, the Titles Deprivation Act was passed to deal with troublesome royal cousins who sided with Germany in the First World War.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Palmer has been the difference-maker since joining from Manchester City in 2023 but is currently sidelined with a troublesome groin injury that is expected to keep him out for another five weeks.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To compound matters, Nuno is the first West Ham head coach to be winless in his first four league games since Manuel Pellegrini in September 2018.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Why an audience member would want to return, though, would be an even more vexing mystery than whatever happened to Riley Brennan.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Any unexplained death leaves room for competing narratives, but Scott’s death involved a particularly vexing set of ambiguities.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Friday evening, airports in Phoenix, Houston and San Diego were reporting delays because of staffing issues, and the Federal Aviation Administration warned that staffing problems were also possible at airports in the New York area, Dallas and Philadelphia.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Half an hour later, he was informed by the testing team that there was an issue.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That is especially worrisome for the kinds of felony charges faced by Rozier, Billups and Jones, who, if convicted, could face maximum prison sentences of decades.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, the imaging showed worrisome spots on his liver.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Upon taking office, the Biden administration kept and, in many cases, expanded on these policies and positions.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • John Fitzgibbons, a Tampa criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, said in rare cases, a grand jury can be used to gauge citizen sentiment, like whether grand jury members think a witness is reliable.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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