challenge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of challengenext
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

challenge

2 of 2

verb

ˈcha-lənj How to pronounce challenge (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Noun
And while matching a Porsche on paper is easy, matching one on a winding road is an entirely different challenge. — New Atlas, 25 July 2026 The boom of startups is good news for workers — and a challenge to labor laws written for another era. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 25 July 2026
Verb
Three environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging the Upper Westside project, which the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved 5-0 on June 16. — Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 Such innovations challenge conventional assumptions about air superiority. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
  1. objection
  2. problem
  3. question
  4. dare
  5. need
  6. exception
  7. matter
  8. contest
Noun
  • Last month, the FCC approved a petition by the company to end the service over objections from California utility regulators, many residents and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • The African group had no objection, but the Latin American countries had several, including Nicaragua, Argentina and Paraguay.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • The statement did not address questions about Northwood Ravin’s verbal agreement with Cherry, whether parking is a recurring issue with other projects across the city or how the developer can prevent similar problems in the future.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • And both of those problems were about to become easier to solve with help from the Adams administration.
    — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
Definition of problem
Verb
  • Gen might have gotten away scot-free from the sheets incident in terms of optics — no one questions her involvement, even though her job description includes housekeeping — but karma hounds her during the first day of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
  • On Friday at Fanatics Fest in New York, Messi was questioned about the photos by Tom Brady during a World Cup final event involving both teams’ coaches and captains.
    — Brooks Peck, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of question
Verb
  • Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft returned spectacular images of a near-Earth asteroid following a super-close flyby on July 5, but heated debate was needed before teams signed off on the daring attempt.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 19 July 2026
  • The main attraction here is the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, where Kid made his last daring escape from jail and killed two deputies in the process.
    — Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026
Definition of dare
Verb
  • Each episode gives Ossoff new material and reinforces the argument Kemp and Dooley made during the runoff that Republicans needed a political newcomer without a long record.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Young striker Jayden Danns needs to be assessed after feeling discomfort in his hamstring last week, while Kaide Gordon and Owen Beck are still undergoing rehab following injuries.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • LaFleur has never said much during these conversations, and Thursday’s first day of training camp was no different — with one exception.
    — Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Fresh fruit While fresh fruit such as apples and bananas are allowed in carry-on and checked bags when flying within the continental United States per the solid foods rule, there are some key exceptions.
    — Fiona Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • Those comments came after Trump met with top advisers and Cabinet officials Friday to discuss a potential escalation of the war, according to a source familiar with the matter.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Doctors are being clear about who should actually be tested and who shouldn’t, and the qualifications matter as much as the science behind them.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • First was a clash at Second Thomas Shoal, a rocky outcrop in the Spratly Island chain also contested by Manila and Beijing.
    — Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • The June 11 letter said LAHSA could request a hearing to contest the suspension.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of contest

Browse Nearby Words

chalky
challenge
challenged
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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on challenge

Nglish: Translation of challenge for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about challenge

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