CHALLENGE Synonyms: 175 Similar and Opposite Words

challenge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of challenge

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

as in problem

something that requires thought and skill for resolution the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

challenge

2 of 2

verb

ˈcha-lənj

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

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

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

Insurance is an obvious place for these challenges to show up first. — Justin Worland, Time, 18 July 2026 Industry experts have increasingly highlighted that while reactor development is advancing, expanding the upstream nuclear fuel supply chain—including uranium production, enrichment and fuel fabrication—remains a critical challenge. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 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

Noun

The people who did it anyway The objection says courage doesn't survive the incentives.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
In one case, the panel concluded Martinez improperly allowed two high school students to sit with him on the bench during a hearing despite an objection from one of the parties.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Sixty-eight percent of likely voters told PPIC the cost of energy — both in utility bills and the price of gasoline at the pump — were a big problem.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
The problem is that this group is mostly comprised of uncultured idiots, so Shai and Georgia are the only people who know what Rocky Horror is.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026

Definition of problem

Verb

Rather than questioning Tuchel’s right to criticise, Kane took his manager’s side.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
In past hearings, Paul has frequently questioned the former White House medical adviser about bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 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

Another important culprit is the assumption that a creator’s intention behind not mentioning certain exceptions was antagonistic or exclusionary.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
The results show Californians have a strong distaste for building data centers for artificial intelligence technology, and largely favor the state’s efforts to protect the environment and cut emissions — with some exceptions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of exception

Noun

For Bailey, living with a chronic lung disease means every change in air quality matters.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Iran launched attacks on Saudi Arabia for the first time in about three months, according to two people familiar with the matter, triggering early warning alarms in Al-Kharj, east of the capital Riyadh, and at Yanbu on the kingdom's Red Sea coast.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Definition of matter

Verb

Spain and Argentina contest the 104th and final game of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Scott Peterson's attorney appeals Scott's automatic appeal was submitted to the California Supreme Court on July 5, accompanied by a 423-page brief document from Scott's attorney, contesting the trial had been unfair.

— Erin Jensen, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of contest

Browse Nearby Words

chalky

challenge

challenged

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of challenge

noun

verb

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