Problem and Tough

Problem

Problem noun - Something that requires thought and skill for resolution.

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Tough and problem are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Tough" instead an adjective "Problem".

Nearby Words: problematic, problematical

Tough adjective - Requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling.

Usage example: handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat

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Problem and tough are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Problem" instead an adjective "Tough".

Nearby Words: toughness, toughen, toughening, tougher, toughed

old	old problem	old tough
real	real problem	real tough
big	big problem	big tough
little	little problem	little tough
Other adjectives: new, final, less.

The middle-aged couple said it was tough for the first week, but after that, it was no problem.

Source: Insatiable Newlyweds
However, the second half of the area is gated by three VERY tough bosses that can pose a problem even for characters that have Heroe'd several Lifes, as the game before that point isn't exactly hard.

Source: Beef Gate
Insult Backfire: Sandy rants to Michael about Dorothy's supposedly tough character on the soap, calling her a "wimp" and saying she should write her own lines if they're the problem.

Source: Film / Tootsie

Cite this Source

Tough and Problem. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/tough

Problem & Tough. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/tough>.

Tough or Problem. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/problem/tough.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "problem" and "tough" have occurred on timeline