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.
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Recent Examples of challenge
Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden are tackling this challenge with an innovative approach.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Erin Neil, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
Breast density isn't just a screening challenge either.
—Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden are tackling this challenge with an innovative approach.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Photograph by Greta Rybus The same could be said of Graham Platner, an oyster farmer from Maine who’s running in the Democratic primary to challenge Susan Collins, the state’s five-term Republican senator.
—Erin Neil, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
Democrats countered that the GOP proposal actually is partisan, since Republicans are seeking to extend funding following the passage of a controversial spending bill that narrowly passed in July over the objections of all congressional Democrats.—
Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Burr’s take on the event comes as some comedians such as Shane Gillis, Marc Maron and David Cross have voiced objections to the festival, with Cross blasting comics — including citing Burr — who participated.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The key is preparing before problems strikes, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Mild listeriosis — which can cause fever, diarrhea, or other stomach problems — gets better without treatment.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Israel Defense Forces’ chief of staff, Maj Gen Eyal Zamir, adamantly opposed the latest decision to take over Gaza City, and questioned the high-risk operation targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Some have questioned the logic of building an artificial surf lagoon so close to the ocean.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
What’s clear is that the power of that institution is now in the hands of hacks who clock in every single morning determined solely to purge this country of any citizen who ever dared to challenge or dislike this president.—
Billy Ray,
Deadline,
29 Sep. 2025
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From Andalusia to Istanbul, her journey becomes a daring rescue mission across land and sea, exploring exile, faith and identity.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since September 2024, a new federal law requires mammogram reports to state whether breast tissue is dense, and to mention the possibility of additional imaging.—
Dr. Megha Gupta,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
One option would require universal permitting, meaning every business that emits the five toxics would need a permit, and another proposal would require universal permitting with some exceptions.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
30 Sep. 2025
-
But after three weeks, that 27-13 loss in Green Bay is more of an exception than the rule; Detroit has scored 52, 38 and 34 points since, and now owns the league’s best point margin.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Under federal regulations, the department must provide at least 65 days’ notice before initiating a tax refund or benefit offset, giving borrowers time to contest or resolve the matter.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Last season’s champions, Paris Saint-Germain, contested 17 matches.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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