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
Authorities said restoring electricity and communications as well as delivering aid to remote villages isolated by landslides remained among the biggest challenges. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 The confusion follows Frankie Valli’s decision in May to cancel a 2026 farewell tour due to his ongoing health challenges. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
There is an excitement in witnessing history, and there’s also a thrill in rooting for an underdog who might challenge a great team’s dominance. — Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 Cases where a patient is malnourished are challenging, because research has shown putting in a feeding tube or giving them appetite stimulants doesn’t improve their outcomes, Lee said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 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
  • Fortunately, Gorbachev would drop his objections to SDI in time for both men to sign a landmark treaty in 1987 that abolished all intermediate range nuclear arms in Europe and made the entire world safer.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • One man was quick enough to grab his ankle and let out a firm objection, but the foot slipped free from the boot and the houndsman was gone into the tight tunnel full of frantic dogs and furious bear.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • The property's listing agent told CBS News Bay Area that Iriarte-Valdez had mentioned experiencing financial problems and that the home appeared to be headed toward foreclosure.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of problem
Verb
  • The attorney also said Acevedo Sanchez was not questioned until he was taken to an ICE holding facility in downtown Baltimore.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nvidia's effort challenges that assumption, transforming AI compute capacity into long-term, bankable infrastructure, though skeptics may question whether AI chips can retain their value as newer generations emerge.
    — Hugh Son, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Verb
  • Those who dare are going mobile to quietly deliver services that once yielded paychecks.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
  • That number grew exponentially over the years as the swoosh became near omnipresent in State College, even daring to grace the famously plain football jerseys.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of dare
Verb
  • The researchers needed evidence that spin was actually involved.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Your 6th House of Work and Wellness hosts compassionate Venus, opposing spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Solitude, so routines need boundaries that protect rest.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • The Constitution protects defendants from being prosecuted for the same crime twice, but Mangione's dueling state and federal cases fall into one of the exceptions for double jeopardy.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Primary history The mid-August primaries have a long history of lackluster turnout – with one major exception.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • People who hold more senior positions in the system, or who have access to confidential information, generally have tighter restrictions placed upon them, according to several sources familiar with the matter and open government announcements.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • City spokesperson Brian Chasnoff told the San Antonio Current that the ballot structure for the bond program has not been determined and the city council will be briefed on the matter in September.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • But Lineage officials are contesting the date of the mayor’s deadline, arguing that the company still has another week to complete the cleanup.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Defense lawyers do not contest that Clancy was responsible for the deaths of her three children.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 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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