problem 1 of 2

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
His convoluted math problem promised to keep the ceremony relatively short and to donate to a good cause. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 Ketamine therapy’s most common short-term side effects are dizziness and nausea, but in extreme cases, long-term, heavy use of ketamine is associated with memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 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
  • The question isn’t only for the Emmys.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • At the plaza, Seth Teasdale was nearby as Kirk flung some caps into the crowd, then settled into his seat under the canopy to take questions.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ponder the grocery categories tracked by local CPIs to see which California supermarket aisles are most troublesome to your household’s food budget.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • For Wild fans, one more potentially troublesome factor iis the history of moves like that one.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 13 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
  • Citruses like orange, gourmands like vanilla, and green florals like magnolia and lily of the valley can go strong for up to 30 hours, in some cases increasing the concentration of the fragrance ingredient by 300%.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case by case basis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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