problem 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-bləm How to pronounce problem (audio)
Definition of problemnext
1
as in challenge
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the problem of world hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

problem

2 of 2

adjective

as in troublesome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
This is a better, more fraud resistant, approach to the problem of getting information in order to make a transaction. —David G.w. Birch, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 The audit found that there were systemic problems including missing and unaccounted-for arrow keys and inadequate oversight in the region. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
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
  1. challenge
  2. question
  3. troublesome
  4. matter
  5. vexing
  6. issue
  7. worrisome
  8. case
Noun
  • From wearable devices to education services, these young trailblazers are solving global challenges with innovative products and platforms.
    — Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Another key challenge is the transition from today’s internet to quantum internet.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of challenge
Noun
  • Soon after their engagement, questions surfaced surrounding a prenuptial agreement.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There can be no question that this group is competing for one another, in a way that the Canucks too often didn’t earlier this season.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of question
Adjective
  • The new apartment building at 3627-3633 N. Sheffield typifies this troublesome direction.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • This classic tale helped make Taylor a star, giving her a showcase as a young woman who dreams of entering a troublesome horse in England's Grand National steeplechase.
    — EW Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of troublesome
Noun
  • Not to reopen wounds, but to remind Cambodians why justice, democracy and dignity matter.
    — Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The attorney, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the firms provided no reason for their decision.
    — Ryan Lucas, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of matter
Adjective
  • That representation, which spanned three decades, included some of Haiti’s most high profile and emblematic legal cases, with the names of victims and abusers alike reading like a who’s who in the country’s vexing political trajectory.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Central Park Conservancy, which has restored and managed the park for four decades, has higher ambitions: for Central Park to be a civic laboratory committed to confronting some of the more vexing urban policy challenges of our time.
    — Betsy Smith, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of vexing
Noun
  • The records at issue are especially pertinent to San Diego County, which long maintained one of the deadliest jail systems in the state and has paid out tens of millions of dollars to families of people who have died in custody.
    — Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Visa issues kept him from switching uniforms and playing that day.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of issue
Adjective
  • What makes the hormone worrisome is when it's released too often or for extended periods of time.
    — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey was called for a technical foul after screaming at an official, but that was the least worrisome incident.
    — Ryan Morik, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of worrisome
Noun
  • The agency adds that 1,587 cases of the celery were impacted by the advisory.
    — Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Similar errors have been made in the United States, including a recent case where a White woman discovered she’d been given the wrong embryo after giving birth to a Black infant.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of case

Browse Nearby Words

probity
problem
problematic
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Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on problem

Nglish: Translation of problem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about problem

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