PROBLEMATIC Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

problematic

adjective

ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik

variants also problematical

Definition of problematic next

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

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 Trafficking Victims Forced to Scam Others, the Nightmare Continues Even After Escape Certainly, the way China deals with scamming is problematic. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025 But the propensity to characterize Biden’s time in office as a flop is especially problematic. —

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 Dismantling problematic beliefs and cultural behaviors requires intentional efforts to build trust, foster innovation and align values. —

Thomas Lim, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Now, a Kenyan company is turning the problematic plant into a bioplastic that could help with reforestation efforts. —

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for problematic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic

Adjective

Challenges of an Airline Pilot's Lifestyle Beyond the technical demands of the job, Wallach said the most difficult part of being a pilot was the lifestyle—particularly as a single parent.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
And these kinds of difficult conversations may have to continue for months—maybe years.

— Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 30 Jan. 2025