1
as in challenge
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
the problem of world hunger
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in question
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
as in troublesome
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of problem
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Monks acknowledged that prayer alone would not solve the state’s problems.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
These cows yield more milk but can be more susceptible to health problems.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Monks acknowledged that prayer alone would not solve the state’s problems.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
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
-
The El Paso incident underscores the challenges of coordinating military technology testing with civilian airspace safety, especially near international borders.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The first team to repeat as World Series champions in a quarter-century, the Dodgers’ challenge now is to become the first National League team (ever) to win three consecutive titles and join the Oakland A’s (1972-74) and New York Yankees (on multiple occasions) as the only franchises to do it.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The reversal follows a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents in which eyewitness statements and video evidence have called into question claims made to justify using deadly force.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
And then just to finish the question, step three is then to expand and really build out the brand from there and build other kinds of businesses around it, like events, businesses, and so on.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Mammoth have the pace and scoring depth to be a troublesome first-round opponent for either Vegas or Edmonton, and there’s a sense that they’re just getting started.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents left Cuba a few years before Fidel Castro took power, has eyed the regime in Havana as one of the world’s most pernicious, inhumane and troublesome.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Kiley has occasionally bucked GOP leadership on procedural matters and previously voted against a House rule that would have blocked consideration of tariff repeal measures.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
-
These features cannot be made by a single star that pulses and ejects material periodically; that would simply lead to a smooth distribution of matter.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What is Congress doing to create a solution to this vexing, complex problem?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
On the heels of Mayor Mamdani’s successful election campaign, many New Yorkers are hopeful that some of the city’s most vexing problems will finally get addressed.—
Jonathan Cohn,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump and his Cabinet members are taking a tighter focus on domestic issues -- and domestic travel -- heading into the November midterm elections, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said last month.—
MICHELLE L. PRICE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
It’s been very sobering for people who’ve devoted their lives to these issues to suddenly see this withdrawal of global support.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The sweeping nature of Flock’s surveillance is also worrisome, Robinson said.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
-
These worrisome economic trends come as new car prices keep pushing higher, currently averaging around $50,000 and forcing many buyers to increasingly stretch out loan lengths.—
The Detroit News,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The mysterious case of a chain-saw-wielding vandal who appeared to randomly terrorize trees in and around downtown Los Angeles last year has come to an anticlimactic close.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Lewis, executive director of Community Center for Immigrants, had just received an update on his case the night before.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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