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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Rolling SMRs out en masse, however, will be a challenge, according to the energy team at law firm Baker McKenzie.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 3 June 2026
ABC News, 4 June 2026
The prosecution dismissed all qualified Black jurors, arguing the case was race-neutral, a move the defense challenged and the judge ultimately allowed.
—Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
The winner of the November runoff will lead Los Angeles as city leaders navigate budget pressures, public safety and homelessness challenges, wildfire recovery efforts and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Rolling SMRs out en masse, however, will be a challenge, according to the energy team at law firm Baker McKenzie.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Verb
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said Thursday's report suggests the captain was challenged by strong winds and a short runway.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
The prosecution dismissed all qualified Black jurors, arguing the case was race-neutral, a move the defense challenged and the judge ultimately allowed.
—Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
The Boilermakers’ former general counsel testified Tuesday that the law firm representing the union for roughly half a century attended International Executive Council meetings held at luxury destinations — and raised no objections about the costs or attendance.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
-
Sentence commutation Over the strenuous objection of fellow Democrats and many Republicans — including Peters’ prosecutor and a majority of Colorado’s election clerks — Polis commuted her sentence, clearing the way for Peters’ parole on June 1 after less than two years in prison.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
But Clark wasn't the Fever's biggest problem on Saturday.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
California lawmakers have since expressly banned such interference, but there are worries that even a visible police presence around elections could be a problem.—
Ashley Lopez,
NPR,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump frequently questioned Joe Biden's fitness.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
-
Some questioned how handing out reprints of an editorial published in the ADA’s own journal, at the ADA’s own annual conference, could be construed as a violation of that code.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
In those pages, Fiedler dared to argue that many of America’s boyish and putatively innocent classics are in fact fantasies of interracial, homosexual romance.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Pérez daring anyone in the shadows to step forward.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
-
The glamorous Old Hollywood theme extends into the guestrooms, but not all are created equal—some bathrooms are big enough to dance a waltz in, others require you to keep your elbows tucked.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
There's very little Democrats and Republicans seem to agree on these days, but Iowa's importance to their political futures is one exception.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
31 May 2026
-
On-field treatment delay Players who require on-field treatment from medical staff will have to leave the field of play for one minute after the restart, bar notable exceptions.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
The city manager issued a statement saying the city is aware of the incident, takes the matter seriously, and confirmed that Ray had been relieved of her duties.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump also did not seek approval from Congress to begin construction on the ballroom, a fact which is being contested in courts.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
The Venice Biennale opened its most chaotic and contested edition in recent memory on May 9, with the prestigious Golden Lion yanked from contention after the jury quit in protest of Israel’s and Russia’s participation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
