problematic

adjective

ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce problematic (audio)
variants also problematical
Definition of problematicnext
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

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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

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

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 problematic For generations, students have learned about complex historical figures who, despite their positive contributions to society, were inarguably problematic, hateful or bigoted while alive. —Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026 Taking off and landing is also problematic. —David Szondy march 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026 Another problematic plant, very noticeable in spring, is the Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana). —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 From praiseworthy to problematic Mexico's vaccination system was once the envy of health policymakers in Latin America. —Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for problematic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
  1. difficult
  2. questionable
  3. tough
  4. dubious
  5. sensitive
  6. disputable
  7. complicated
  8. suspicious
Adjective
  • Christie acknowledged that the Kings were in a difficult position given their recent schedule injury situation.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Even putting the tank on the ice was more difficult this year.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • However merry the mayhem of the movie dorm on Broadway, the sustainability of it all was starting to seem questionable.
    — Lena Dunham, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Initially listed as questionable for the game with back spasms, Norman Powell on Sunday morning was downgraded to out because of an upper respiratory illness.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of questionable
Adjective
  • The judge assigned to Amin’s case was Iman Afshari, known in Tehran for his tough sentences—a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist, in January, for human-rights abuses.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Two sisters in Big Bear are facing one of the toughest moments in their lives.
    — Zach Boetto, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • After being handed a fake car from a dubious contest, Castillo filed a real lawsuit against the station for $60,000.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The price of gasoline in June 2022 wins that dubious distinction.
    — Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of dubious
Adjective
  • This wasn’t surprising, given that intelligence agencies compartmentalize information about sensitive operations.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • It is well understood in the region that could mean things like broad targeting of sensitive and highly vulnerable energy installations, something Iran has already threatened, essential for the regional and global economies, as well as hard to quickly repair and rebuild.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
    — Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
  • That disputable appraisal turned a few heads, and people began peppering the bot for further remarks on Musk’s physical prowess.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025
Definition of disputable
Adjective
  • And in South Florida groups have stepped in to support migrants navigating complicated immigration processes, from deportation to self-deportation, often filling gaps left by government systems.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But determining what percentage of the population would stay and fight is complicated.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • But the coroner did not screen Harold's blood for poisons at the time because his death was not suspicious.
    — Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Installing strong antivirus software on your devices can also help block malicious links, detect suspicious downloads and warn you about dangerous websites.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of suspicious

Browse Nearby Words

problem
problematic
problems
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Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

Nglish: Translation of problematic for Spanish Speakers

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