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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
This security problem is dangerous in many sectors of business, including financial, travel, and e-commerce. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The senators invited two former CBS News executives — who both left, in large part, because of the controversy — to testify before a joint committee hearing in Sacramento to help lawmakers examine problems with a possible Trump settlement. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Adjective
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 See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
  • This suggests that the program may have been particularly beneficial to those facing greater life challenges.
    Paul McClure June 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
  • This disorder is caused by insufficient calcium as a result of nutrient and water management challenges.
    Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Judge Subramanian denied the defense's first motion, ruling that the questions were not prejudicial.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • And then comes the question of wages, which have stagnated and, in some cases, fallen in the past year when adjusted for inflation.
    Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • What makes these situations even more troublesome is that McDonald said that there may be no access to Wi-Fi where travelers are vacationing, especially after being abducted.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
  • The request to Congress is seen as unlikely to meaningfully change the troublesome increase in the U.S. national debt.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Businesses are collateral damage as the explosion of immigration enforcement worsens staffing issues for businesses already facing worker shortages, according to Amy Peck, a partner with the Jackson Lewis law firm who represents employers in immigration matters.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Several lawmakers are playing peacemaker between the chambers; Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Finance Chair Mike Crapo were expected to address the matter with Trump directly at a White House meeting on Thursday.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • One of its most intriguing, yet vexing, implications is that if all matter and forces are composed of vibrations of tiny strands, then this allows for a vast landscape of possible universes with different physical properties, varieties of particles and complex space-times.
    Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Our recipe for success is simple and proven: the federal government invests in research, and universities contribute their workforce, time, space, expertise, and interests to deliver solutions to the most vexing challenges of society.
    Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • That’s every pitcher’s issue in their delivery, landing late or not being on time.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The site posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.
    Carlos Cubelo, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Seoul, South Korea CNN — Ukraine’s shock drone strike on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet this week has generals and analysts taking a new look at threats to high-value United States aircraft at bases in the homeland and abroad – and the situation is worrisome.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • The inexperience across the board is worrisome, but Duke’s bet on talent usually works out.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The gravel crunches as more and more guests arrive with romping dogs, small children, and cases of seltzer.
    Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
  • In one sense, doctors have always been writers, penning case reports since antiquity.
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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