Synonyms of challenge

challenge 1 of 2

noun

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

• objection
• exception
• question
• complaint
• protest
• difficulty
• criticism
• fuss
• demur
• demurrer
• remonstrance
• stink
• suspicion
• doubt
• demurral
• dispute
• expostulation
• kick
• dissent
• skepticism
• uncertainty
• debate
• qualm
• misunderstanding
• argument
• reluctance
• quibble
• censure
• squabble
• quarrel
• compunction
• cavil
• scruple
• disobedience
• misgiving
• static
• conflict
• distrust
• mistrust
• unease
• rebellion
• unwillingness
• defiance
• reservation
• dubitation
• niggle
• indetermination
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• uneasiness
• hassle
• incertitude
• misdoubt
• dubiety
• qualmishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• willingness
• approval
• sanction
• agreement
• acceptance
• compliance
• obedience
• acquiescence
• assent

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

• problem
• matter
• issue
• case
• question
• trouble
• dilemma
• predicament
• puzzle
• hot water
• nut
• quandary
• knot
• conundrum
• crux
• mystery
• riddle
• pickle
• corner
• quagmire
• jam
• fix
• spot
• toughie
• pitfall
• snag
• Gordian knot
• glitch
• mire
• enigma
• catch
• hole
• hitch
• sticky wicket
• puzzlement
• catch-22
• brainteaser
• stumper
• poser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solution
• answer
• silver bullet
• magic bullet
• panacea
• cure-all

challenge

2 of 2

verb

ˈcha-lənj 

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

• question
• contest
• dispute
• doubt
• impeach
• call in question
• query
• protest
• oppugn
• resist
• fight
• oppose
• kick (about)
• object (to)
• combat
• mistrust

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• believe
• accept
• embrace
• support
• defend
• swallow
• back
• promote
• advocate
• endure
• tolerate
• abide
• champion
• stomach

2

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

• dare
• confront
• defy
• stump
• brave
• face
• breast
• beard
• brazen
• outbrave
• outface

3

as in to require

to have as a requirement

having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• require
• demand
• need
• take
• want
• involve
• claim
• necessitate
• call for
• warrant
• bear
• ask
• entail
• beg
• lack
• quest
• cry (for)
• hurt (for)
• insist
• exact
• enjoin
• stipulate
• clamor (for)
• press
• command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• have
• hold
• possess
• own

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of challenge

Noun

Additionally, some critics have said cuts made last year to federal food-monitoring systems for pathogens, such as cyclospora, could exacerbate the challenges. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

With Englund now 79 years old, rebooting the franchise will be a challenge that requires some real creativity. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026

Verb

There is an excitement in witnessing history, and there’s also a thrill in rooting for an underdog who might challenge a great team’s dominance. — Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

Cases where a patient is malnourished are challenging, because research has shown putting in a feeding tube or giving them appetite stimulants doesn’t improve their outcomes, Lee said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026