challenge

1 a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent there were no serious challenges to the legislative bill, so it passed easily Synonyms of challenge objection, complaint, demur, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, protest, question, remonstrance, stinkWords Related to challenge compunction, doubt, misgiving, qualm, scruple; misunderstanding; cavil, niggle [chiefly British], quibble; argument, conflict, debate, dispute, dissent, hassle, quarrel, squabble, static; censure, criticism; defiance, disobedience, rebellion; distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt, mistrust, mistrustfulness, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty; qualmishness, unease, uneasiness; reluctance, unwillingnessNear Antonyms of challenge willingness; approval, sanction; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent; compliance, obedience

2 something that requires thought and skill for resolution the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century Synonyms of challenge case, problem, knot, matter, nut, troubleWords Related to challenge issue, question; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot; crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie (also toughy); catch-22, dilemma, quandary; catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag; conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle; brainteaser, perplexer, poser, stumperNear Antonyms of challenge magic bullet, silver bullet; cure-all, panaceaAntonyms of challenge answer, solution

1 to demand proof of the truth or rightness of don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people Synonyms of challenge contest, dispute, impeach, oppugn, query, question Words Related to challenge doubt, mistrust; kick (about), object (to), protest; combat, fight, oppose, resist Phrases call in (or into) question Near Antonyms of challenge back, defend, support; advocate, champion, promote; abide, endure, stomach, tolerate Antonyms of challenge accept, believe, embrace, swallow

2 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 of challenge dare, defy, stump Words Related to challenge beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, face, outbrave, outface

3 to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance Synonyms of challenge bear, need, claim, demand, necessitate, require, take, want, warrantWords Related to challenge entail, involve; ask, beg, claim, clamor (for), cry (for); hurt (for), lack; command, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulateNear Antonyms of challenge own, possessAntonyms of challenge have, hold