CHALLENGE Synonyms: 175 Similar and Opposite Words

challenge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of challenge

as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent there were no serious challenges to the legislative bill, so it passed easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in problem

something that requires thought and skill for resolution the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

challenge

2 of 2

verb

ˈcha-lənj

as in to question

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dare

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat I challenge you to swim to the other side of the pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to require

to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 challenge

Noun

Beyond the immediate threat to crude supplies, damage to refining infrastructure could pose a more persistent challenge to global energy markets. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Going into Minnesota is always a challenge, and now the Colts are getting extra pressure with the bye week disadvantage as well. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Verb

Graphics and Gaming Tests We challenge all systems’ graphics with a quintet of animations or gaming simulations from UL's 3DMark test suite. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Its technology is well suited for fast inference, giving it an opportunity to challenge Nvidia's GPUs. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge

Noun

The City Council voted it down, and the mayor's opponents passed an alternate budget plan over his objections.

— Chris Tye, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Ignoring those objections would mean losing the exemption, Martin said.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Last month, the Kremlin acknowledged problems with food and medical supplies getting into Oleshky, saying its military was working to resolve them.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
In fact, the Iran war, inflation and the debt problems are potentially about to get even worse.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of problem

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

Further research will be needed to determine how the motor behaves under different operating conditions and whether the principle can be incorporated into functional molecular technologies.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Authorities were assessing who else needed help, including many whose homes weren't flooded but were cut off by floodwaters.

— MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of need

Noun

Soft Stonewashed Sheets Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set Linen sheets aren’t usually known for being soft, but these are an exception.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2026
Airbnb said exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as requiring guests to put trash in animal-proof containers in areas with bears.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of exception

Noun

Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
But victory is far from assured, and the polling numbers – which can be inaccurate – matter less than Israel’s coalition arithmetic.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of matter

Verb

People in the country longer may have more opportunities to contest their removal while the government typically has greater authority to fast-track deportations for people arrested at the border.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
For decades, plaintiffs had been permitted to contest electoral districts that had discriminatory effects, without needing to prove discriminatory intent.

— Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contest

Browse Nearby Words

chalky

challenge

challenged

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of challenge

noun

verb

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