1
as in challenge
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
the problem of world hunger
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in troublesome
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
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
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
In terms of the opioid epidemic, law enforcement thinks that Mexican cartels are the problem, addiction physicians think that the addicted brain is the problem, and harm reduction activists think that the criminalization of drugs is the problem.
—Melody Glenn
july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for problem
Noun
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
Adjective
Using herbicides early can have the best impact on keeping grasses and weeds from becoming a problem in your flower beds.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
In terms of the opioid epidemic, law enforcement thinks that Mexican cartels are the problem, addiction physicians think that the addicted brain is the problem, and harm reduction activists think that the criminalization of drugs is the problem.
—Melody Glenn
july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for problem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for problem
Noun
-
Because of these factors, getting a complete and accurate picture of which devices are truly secure remains a challenge.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
-
But Maryland argues that its permit would need to be appealed through the state courts, which would involve filing a challenge at the appropriate circuit court — in this case in Worcester County.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology.—
Carin Schoppmeyer,
Arkansas Online,
27 July 2025
-
Despite Aurora’s efforts, the fundamental question remains: Can an industry built on fossil fuels and mass tourism ever truly be sustainable? Buch is optimistic.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Many troublesome issues that weaken psychological safety stem from character imbalances.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
In the wake of making the troublesome latter album, Osbourne bolted the group in 1977 and embarked on a solo project, Blizzard of Ozz, and was replaced by singer Dave Walker of Savoy Brown.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
After a reported incident of fan harassment against Reese during the Fever and Sky's first game of the season on May 17, the WNBA launched an investigation into the matter.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
-
The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and will have additional details to share very shortly.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Managing corporate and business travel doesn’t need to be a vexing problem or an ongoing headache.—
Egor Karpovich,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
Equally vexing are Trump’s long-running demands that Seoul should pay more to host the some 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The number of residents facing chronic homelessness, a subgroup including people with health issues who have been homeless for more than a year, increased 24% from last year to roughly 400 people.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
-
Prior to his death, the actor was hospitalized for two months with esophagus, kidney, and bladder issues, in addition to suffering multiple infections.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mold is far more common and worrisome than many people realize.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
-
There still are some worrisome offensive markers, however.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
In any case, Reed, who has learned how to teleport an egg, comes up with a plan to teleport the entire planet and everyone on it to a totally different star system.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
What Happens Next Going forward Trump is likely to face fresh pressure from a section of his MAGA base to release documents related to the Epstein case while Democrats could attempt to force his hand after Congress returned from its summer recess.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/problem. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share