variants
also problematical
1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of problematic
Instead, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a statement that is problematic for two reasons.
—
Kavitha Ranganathan,
STAT,
29 June 2026
The president’s portrayal of the situation is problematic.
—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
28 June 2026
After the movie is over, Anna tries briefly to appeal to Nevaeh as the fellow daughter of a problematic father, but that tactic falls flat immediately.
—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The heat index will become increasingly problematic Wednesday through Sunday with values reaching 100° to 108° by late next week.
—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for problematic
Kavitha Ranganathan,
STAT,
29 June 2026
The president’s portrayal of the situation is problematic.
—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
28 June 2026
After the movie is over, Anna tries briefly to appeal to Nevaeh as the fellow daughter of a problematic father, but that tactic falls flat immediately.
—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The heat index will become increasingly problematic Wednesday through Sunday with values reaching 100° to 108° by late next week.
—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
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Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
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Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
Adjective
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During oral arguments, attorneys for both trans athletes had questionable moments.
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If the debt isn't actually yours, is too old to be legally enforceable or is otherwise questionable, negotiating may do more harm than good.
Adjective
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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Adjective
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The detective was dubious that a rape had occurred, according to his preliminary report.
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In multiple lawsuits that are now combined, Nutex investors accuse the company of hiding its partnership with HaloMD and say the dubious arrangement exposes the company to further legal risks.
Adjective
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Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
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So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
Adjective
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However, disputable refereeing decisions, especially in the matches against Italy and Spain, led to allegations that South Korea may have benefited from favorable officiating.
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Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
Adjective
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But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
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The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
Adjective
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Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.
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Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
Cite this Entry
“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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