Thinking and knowing

Synonyms for problematic

Two senses of problematic live in the word bank, and they take different synonyms. The sentence under each one is what tells them apart.

Tier 3, Ridgeline · 2 senses · adjective · Reason line included

Sense 1 of 2adjectiveTier 3, RidgelineThinking and knowing

open to doubt or debate

Whether the plan will ever work is problematic.

The sentence the app shows, and the only thing that settles which meaning is meant.

The true synonym

debatable

Same sentence, swapped: Whether the plan will ever work is debatable.

Close but different

These are the other three tiles the game puts on screen for this sense. Each one is a real word with a real meaning, and none of them is a synonym for problematic as it is used in the sentence above.

elusive
intricate
ambiguous

Sense 2 of 2adjectiveTier 3, RidgelineQualities

making great mental demands

A problematic situation at home.

The sentence the app shows, and the only thing that settles which meaning is meant.

The true synonym

tough

Same sentence, swapped: A tough situation at home.

Close but different

debatable
dubious
ambiguous

Read nextThe whole library →

Closest first: other thinking and knowing words at Ridgeline, then the same tier across the rest of the library.

tendencynoundispositionan attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over othersRidgeline2 sensesHas a reason line tenornounstrainthe general meaning or substance of an utteranceRidgelineHas a reason line tentativeadjectivedoubtfulunsettled in mind or opinionRidgelineHas a reason line trapnounsnaresomething (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawaresRidgeline vigilancenounalertnessthe process of paying close and continuous attentionHigh CampHas a reason line volitionnounwillthe capability of conscious choice and decision and intentionRidgelineHas a reason line witsnounmarblesthe basic human power of intelligent thought and perceptionRidgeline considerablyadverbsubstantiallyto a great extent or degreeRidgeline

One word a day, five rungs, and a reason under every answer

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