CHALLENGES Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

challenges 1 of 2

noun

plural of challenge

as in objections

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

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as in problems

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

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challenges

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of challenge

as in questions

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

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as in dares

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

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as in requires

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

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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 challenges

Noun

This change comes at a time when boards are already facing challenges filling the role. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Community opposition that blocks municipal permits has become a bottleneck, and tech giants could face even more challenges if voters next month elect more public officials who are skeptical of data centers. — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Like other arts organizations, the theater faces financial challenges while competing with streaming services and other digital entertainment. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Some of the oil fields are deep within the Orinoco Belt, a virtual wilderness in central-eastern Venezuela posing major technical challenges. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 To bypass wholesale challenges, China’s next generation of brands is embracing the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model by opening their own stores. — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Eight finalists will compete in a series of challenges inspired by the skills required to make each and every order. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

In her work with CSS and the study, Uhls challenges her gut instincts on young people’s take on entertainment. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Along the way, Eric meets Ivy (Lee), a sharp-witted punk rocker who challenges his perspective. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 The brand challenges the traditional concept of a signature scent, instead encouraging consumers to build a fragrance wardrobe that reflects different facets of their identity, Anderson said. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 The resulting imagery challenges the familiar visual codes of the Hollywood Western without losing sight of the culture’s deep historical roots. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 This study challenges conventional understanding in neuroscience. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 An annual competition called BabyLM challenges researchers to train models on a child’s diet of words. — Charles Yeomans, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Organizers later cited competition in the festival market and challenges booking country artists as factors in skipping 2025 and 2026. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 In doing so, the 1 Pro+ directly challenges top rivals like the $549 Viture Beast. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenges

Noun

Two of the three objections against Macías and Sigcho-Lopez were filed by people who had circulated primary petitions for Patty García.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of objections

Verb

Adawag's defense attorney questions federal crackdown Adawag's attorney, Megan McLoughlin, said the case was unusual in her experience.

— Steve Large, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
It’s built through the steady work of listening to stakeholders, delivering on promises and telling a consistent story long before anyone questions it.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of questions

Verb

After viciously hitting step-back threes, trash talking anyone who dares tempt him and racking up two NBA scoring titles, Doncic just likes to stay home, maybe get lunch or play cards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
At one point, Tillis dares Douthat to jump across the tracks of Congress’s private subway system.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of dares

Verb

The nation needs an ample supply for semiconductors, quantum and super computing, and superconducting magnets, added Robertson, who oversees the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Artificial intelligence needs as little as three seconds of you speaking to produce a convincing clone of your voice.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of needs

Noun

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
The system also requires recurring checks for matching information, although legal exceptions apply and removal is not immediate.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptions

Noun

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

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of matters

Verb

The Nevada Independent reports that Lombardo’s campaign has used those issues to question Ford’s fitness, while Ford says the clemency matter followed procedure and disputes the criticism.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Luger also disputes the ad's claim that Klobuchar did nothing on fraud.

— Esme Murphy, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of disputes

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challengers

challenges

challenging

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Style

“Challenges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenges. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of challenges

noun

verb

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