variants also problematical

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

Examples 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
  • Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Officials have also warned the algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that's difficult to detect.
    MARK SHERMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, this position is legally questionable.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Carter was questionable because of left shoulder soreness.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sticky oil can be applied directly to the belly and over right side of the abdomen, but holistic health enthusiasts like to soak a piece of cotton or flannel and apply heat for more intense delivery.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Like other Thai cities, Chiang Rai boasts its fair share of markets and night bazaars, where visitors can browse Thai handicrafts and sample khao soi (a curry noodle soup that’s a northern specialty) and mango sticky rice at their own pace.
    Tanvi Chheda, AFAR Media, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether Chappelle needed this advice or not is debatable, given that Chappelle is undoubtedly a seasoned performer.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Whether the park in St. Pete still could open by 2028 is debatable.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, disentangling cartel operations from U.S. interests in Mexico could be immensely complicated.
    Maria Abi-Habib, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • As technology has improved, the paint jobs have gotten increasingly complicated and creative.
    Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The guard told 911 dispatch that a suspicious vehicle — a dark SUV — had driven through his yard.
    Emma Steele, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Editors’ Picks The four Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Saturday, who were dressed in military-style clothes, had been working as lookouts for Israel’s army, reporting on suspicious activity across the border, when they were captured.
    Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Flowers was listed as doubtful throughout the week and upgraded wide receiver Anthony Miller from the practice squad.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The injury report, where Flowers was listed as doubtful, ended any suspense.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near problematic

Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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