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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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 primary ground point is near the thermostat housing, and over time those connections corrode and cause a wide range of problems. —Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026 The bigger problem was when that robber also demanded the motorman’s personal money and valuables. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
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
  • Their immediate challenge is that the ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections — and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Issue One, an advocacy group tracking redistricting nationwide, said changing maps for 2026 could be difficult because many states have already held primaries and legal challenges would place significant obstacles before the general election.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of challenge
Noun
  • The agency did not directly address whether the transition could affect service continuity, instead directing questions about services to the county, which will take over many programs.
    — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The most prominent question is his slight 6-foot, 181-pound frame.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of question
Adjective
  • Negative campaigning is nothing new, but Conway’s latest tactics are particularly troublesome.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Food waste is heavy and troublesome for landfills but can be beneficially composted.
    — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of troublesome
Noun
  • As her anxiety rises, sticking to the essentials has become a matter of financial survival, Rosado said.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of matter
Adjective
  • Finally, in overcoming this vexing moment, the two would establish a painterly repartee that altered the trajectory of their own work and, by extension, modern art.
    — Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • On the other hand, the potential to solve mankind’s most vexing problems is tantalizing.
    — G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of vexing
Noun
  • The one issue for Banchero, and the Magic in general, was free-throw shooting.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • But the creators of The Longest Table project are hoping to make a dent in what the World Health Organization has identified as a significant public health issue when the free public community event rolls into Miami on Friday.
    — Connie Ogle April 30, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of issue
Adjective
  • While sitting outside a café in downtown, Lane said that allowing alcohol consumption outdoors every day is worrisome.
    — Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Barclays, however, raised its price target on the Club stock to $250 from $225, citing strong credit but worrisome spending.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of worrisome
Noun
  • Their immediate challenge is that the ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections — and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Reached by email earlier this week, Jennifer Spradley, an attorney in the public defender’s office in Tampa, said the office wouldn’t comment on Abugharbieh’s case.
    — Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
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 1 May. 2026.

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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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