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

Amidst these challenges, former Blue Jays draft pick and MLB veteran Jon Berti announced his retirement, concluding a 15-year professional baseball career. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

And one of the big questions and challenges for the club going into this new season is to finally reconnect. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Verb

Both teams had trouble creating scoring chances and neither goalkeeper was challenged in the first half. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

The remaining package instead calls for studies on simplifying Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) filings and tax reporting, the broader tax burdens facing Americans abroad, and additional time to challenge certain math-error assessments. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026