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

Picking the right Mac Matte Lipstick from their range of more than two dozen shades can be a challenge, especially since the real-life colors of Mac lipsticks don’t always match up to their online photos. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

There are tremendous challenges around delivering this in practice given the differing problems and motivations across continents and federations. — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

The discovery has challenged existing theories of planet formation, suggesting planets can emerge in environments previously considered unlikely. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Teams that, as currently constituted, feel one piece short of really challenging in the postseason. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026