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 Also, mixing alcohol and medications like antibiotics can be problematic. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 The new entity removes problematic financials for the declining linear TV business from the Comcast books and offers a host of M&A options as all players in traditional television reckon with cord-cutting. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025 Vasquez forgets that Chicago isn’t New York, and neither is our traffic, which is most problematic on the expressways and main arteries, not in a South Loop business district, which was almost devoid of traffic, human or vehicular, during the first part of rush hour on Monday morning. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 Austria's next government could see the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) play a significant role which could be problematic for Kyiv given its criticism of military aid and proposals to end sanctions on Russia. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for problematic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problematic
Adjective
  • Despite his success, Axiom’s presence in WWE is remarkable, as professional wrestling remains niche in Spain and has been difficult to find on TV.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
  • He’s got some difficult questions to answer but the team has had five weeks to prepare for this moment.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Watson was listed as a full participant and questionable for the game.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Carter was questionable because of left shoulder soreness.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Concerns about the shape of the U.K. economy are mounting, with investors and businesses taking note of new fiscal policies that will see taxes and business costs rise, as well as weak economic data prints out of Britain and sticky inflation.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The streak-free formula with coconut oil and lavender essential oil blend wiped the sticky mess away in less than a minute.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • How much this will enhance the comet’s brightness is debatable.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Van Dijk’s goal against Arsenal was one, with Ibrahima Konate’s header against Wolverhampton Wanderers the other — although even that second one is debatable, given 30 seconds elapsed between Andy Robertson’s corner and the centre-back heading home.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The film centers on Clémence, a quiet yet amusing Parisian, who had a complicated childhood.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Connections to Professional Networks The value of a standalone degree is only as good as the brand that issues it, but even a Harvard education doesn’t guarantee to provide knowledge on how to navigate the complicated recruiting process of a desirable employer brand.
    Sergei Revzin and Vadim Revzin, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In late June 2024, the Natomas Unified School District IT department shut down the district’s network system, wifi network, VPN services and phone lines after identifying suspicious activity on the network.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Scam Alert feature watches the links in incoming text messages and flags any suspicious ones.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Kings are listing Fox as doubtful against the Warriors due to a right glute contusion.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful while Hill and Jaylen Waddle are questionable.
    J.J. Bailey, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near problematic

Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problematic. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on problematic

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