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
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Rolling SMRs out en masse, however, will be a challenge, according to the energy team at law firm Baker McKenzie.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 3 June 2026
ABC News, 4 June 2026
The prosecution dismissed all qualified Black jurors, arguing the case was race-neutral, a move the defense challenged and the judge ultimately allowed.
—Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
The winner of the November runoff will lead Los Angeles as city leaders navigate budget pressures, public safety and homelessness challenges, wildfire recovery efforts and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Rolling SMRs out en masse, however, will be a challenge, according to the energy team at law firm Baker McKenzie.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Verb
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said Thursday's report suggests the captain was challenged by strong winds and a short runway.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
The prosecution dismissed all qualified Black jurors, arguing the case was race-neutral, a move the defense challenged and the judge ultimately allowed.
—Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
Panahi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, announced on Sunday that the Tehran Revolutionary Court has rejected his objections to the rule and has upheld the verdict in full.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
7 June 2026
-
The zoo’s petition cites several objections to data centers that have been hotly debated nationwide, including their impact on electricity and water resources.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
But Clark wasn't the Fever's biggest problem on Saturday.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
California lawmakers have since expressly banned such interference, but there are worries that even a visible police presence around elections could be a problem.—
Ashley Lopez,
NPR,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump frequently questioned Joe Biden's fitness.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
-
Some questioned how handing out reprints of an editorial published in the ADA’s own journal, at the ADA’s own annual conference, could be construed as a violation of that code.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
In an afternoon of dazzling outfits and daring dance moves, the performers paid their tributes, getting the audience clapping, singing and swaying along to their Elvis covers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
-
The safest play in college sports is to violate the NCAA rule book and then just sue should the sanctioning body dare try to punish you.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The administration has cracked down on most forms of migration for foreigners — demanding that bonds of up to $15,000 be paid for visa processing in some, mainly African, countries and requiring years of personal history, including social media accounts, to be vetted.—
Matthew Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Monday’s ruling ensures that California employers can continue to recruit foreign employees for roles that require specialized skills, Bonta said.—
Haley Parsley
June 8,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
This policy has remained largely consistent through recent seasons and applies across Grand Slams and tour events (with some exceptions like Wimbledon in 2022, which briefly went further and banned them entirely before reversing course).—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
Carson Hocevar has fond childhood memories of Michigan International Speedway, with one exception.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
The city manager issued a statement saying the city is aware of the incident, takes the matter seriously, and confirmed that Ray had been relieved of her duties.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump also did not seek approval from Congress to begin construction on the ballroom, a fact which is being contested in courts.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
The Venice Biennale opened its most chaotic and contested edition in recent memory on May 9, with the prestigious Golden Lion yanked from contention after the jury quit in protest of Israel’s and Russia’s participation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
