1
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
2
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
3
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
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Many Californians avoid Mills Act homes because of strict preservation rules, but the couple enjoys the challenge of restoring and caring for their historic house.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The younger guys, who may make excuses or shy away when a coach challenges them, will respect what players like Goldstein or senior catcher Gianni Corral have to say.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
As a result, production slowed and export shipments were delayed, creating further challenges across the supply chain.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Many Californians avoid Mills Act homes because of strict preservation rules, but the couple enjoys the challenge of restoring and caring for their historic house.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Duvet inserts and comforters themselves can be challenging to clean, often requiring professional laundering or careful at-home washing if your washer is large enough.
—Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The younger guys, who may make excuses or shy away when a coach challenges them, will respect what players like Goldstein or senior catcher Gianni Corral have to say.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
The state’s hospitals, which have an extensive lobbying group at the state Capitol, have raised objections to Lamont’s budget regarding the tax that most hospitals pay.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
22 Feb. 2026
-
These objections have become highly politicized, though in surprising ways.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meta and other tech firms have argued there’s no conclusive evidence linking social media to addiction or mental health problems.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Once back at the VAB, engineers will need to partially disassemble it to inspect things like filters, valves, and connection plates to find the problem.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Uludag denied the accusations during questioning, insisting that his posts were legitimate criticism made in his capacity as a judiciary reporter, according to court documents published by Cumhuriyet newspaper.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Some researchers question whether addiction is the appropriate term to describe heavy use of social media, arguing that a person must be experiencing identifiable symptoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
See the 11 ways to style barrel jeans below for all who dare to adopt the polarizing jean trend this season and beyond.—
India Roby,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The Trial of Seven is about to commence — a clash of mud, blood, and iron before a roaring crowd to determine the fate of the aspiring knight that dared to defend a lowly stage performer from a rampaging Targaryen prince.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Identification requires letting Chinese cultural logic influence the structure of a campaign — not just its visuals or celebrity cast.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Whatever chemistry is required for incredible players to band together existed immediately, and the remaining outfield players worked hard to support them, defend and create chances to put the ball in behind opponents on counterattacks.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those exceptions include time spent playing a different sport on a professional level, military service, religious missionary work and playing sports during a post-graduate year after high school.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Feb. 2026
-
California has a number of laws aimed at protecting children’s data privacy, but those laws have exceptions that allow many tech companies to continue packaging and selling students’ personal information.—
Adam Echelman,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Illinois, meanwhile, had no issue raining shots from long range in the first half, or speeding past USC through the lane, for that matter.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The appeals court didn’t attempt to resolve the underlying issue, but agreed with state officials that Huntington Beach’s charter-city status doesn’t give it the authority over election-integrity issues, which are a state matter.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Performing Under Pressure in Milan At the 2026 Games, Gu is the lone female freeskier contesting all three freestyle events.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In an era when election legitimacy is constantly contested, confidence is not a luxury.—
Reardon Sullivan,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
