PROBLEMATIC Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

problematic

adjective

ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik

variants also problematical

Definition of problematic next

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the problematic situation of somehow having two dates for the same party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged whether we should even bother finishing the project at this point is problematic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of problematic Also, mixing alcohol and medications like antibiotics can be problematic. —

Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 The new entity removes problematic financials for the declining linear TV business from the Comcast books and offers a host of M&A options as all players in traditional television reckon with cord-cutting. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025 Vasquez forgets that Chicago isn’t New York, and neither is our traffic, which is most problematic on the expressways and main arteries, not in a South Loop business district, which was almost devoid of traffic, human or vehicular, during the first part of rush hour on Monday morning. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 Austria's next government could see the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) play a significant role which could be problematic for Kyiv given its criticism of military aid and proposals to end sanctions on Russia. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for problematic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic

Adjective

Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.

— Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Eaves has made the difficult transition from being the primary option at Thornwood to being part of an ensemble for the reigning Class 4A state champions.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025