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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
More Rangers content - The ABS challenge era is here.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026
This marks a massive spike from the previous cycle, which saw 24 Democratic candidates under 50 challenging older incumbents.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
The broader challenge for the industry is one of balance — ensuring that a booming market in international inbound production does not crowd out the indigenous storytelling that has defined Ireland’s global reputation.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
More Rangers content - The ABS challenge era is here.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
More than just a mere tale of medieval heroism, this is a surreal, gorgeous piece of work that challenges preconceptions of fantasy dramas and feels vitally fresh.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026
This marks a massive spike from the previous cycle, which saw 24 Democratic candidates under 50 challenging older incumbents.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
The moral objections to looksmaxxing are numerous, severe, and obvious.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Tillis went to the Senate floor shortly afterward and passed a resolution, with no objections, to place the plaque on the Senate side.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Then there was the pesky problem of Big Ten travel.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Maddix was born by emergency C-section with an enlarged heart that was causing a laundry list of other medical problems.—
Libby Smith,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Adult witnesses whom Cox will be able to question include a mother who had a child under the age of 12 with her and allegedly saw Cox masturbating in the shower.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Over two days of questioning this week, senators and representatives pushed her to explain the ad campaign.—
Rebecca Santana,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There are few things more uplifting in team sports than the sight of a town and a group of players driving each other on, hardly daring to dream just how far a journey might take them.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This time around, the Broncos are only a fraction of that daring.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Approving or rejecting candidates from Washington requires a functioning political process, a legitimate transitional authority and a population willing to accept an American imprimatur on their leadership — none of which exists.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Rodriguez Gutierrez was under a supervisory order and required to periodically check in with an immigration officer or face deportation for failing to report, according to De Bremaeker.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Navajo Nation is the lone exception in Arizona.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Even the biggest indie acts of the last 15 years or so tend to be solo singer-songwriters masquerading as bands, but Brooklyn’s Geese, the buzziest rock band in years, are a total exception.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An Israeli intelligence official and a reservist with knowledge of the assessment spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The motion, introduced by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, creates a three-member ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing all pending city matters related to Measure ULA and recommending next steps.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Once liquidated, importers have 180 days to formally contest the duties.—
Paul Wiseman,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Participants take over city streets for a carnivalesque monthly ride, contesting cars’ dominance.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
