Synonyms of challenges

challenges 1 of 2

noun

plural of challenge

1

as in objections

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent

there were no serious challenges to the legislative bill, so it passed easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

• objections
• exceptions
• complaints
• questions
• difficulties
• protests
• criticisms
• demurrers
• expostulations
• remonstrances
• stinks
• doubts
• demurrals
• fusses
• disputes
• suspicions
• demurs
• qualms
• misgivings
• kicks
• uncertainties
• misunderstandings
• skepticism
• squabbles
• compunctions
• quibbles
• scruples
• dissents
• arguments
• quarrels
• debates
• conflicts
• rebellions
• reluctances
• censures
• statics
• mistrust
• distrust
• cavils
• disobediences
• defiances
• reservations
• niggles
• hassles
• misdoubts
• indeterminations
• dubitations
• dubieties
• incertitudes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sanctions
• approvals
• agreements
• acceptances
• assents
• acquiescences
• compliances
• obediences

2

as in problems

something that requires thought and skill for resolution

the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century

Synonyms & Similar Words

• problems
• matters
• issues
• troubles
• cases
• questions
• nuts
• dilemmas
• predicaments
• quandaries
• knots
• pitfalls
• conundrums
• puzzles
• mysteries
• hot waters
• toughies
• riddles
• quagmires
• corners
• jams
• glitches
• snags
• fixes
• pickles
• cruxes
• enigmas
• holes
• puzzlements
• mires
• spots
• Gordian knots
• hitches
• sticky wickets
• catches
• brainteasers
• stumpers
• posers
• catch-22's

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• solutions
• answers
• silver bullets
• magic bullets
• panaceas
• cure-alls

challenges

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of challenge

1

as in questions

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of

don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• questions
• disputes
• contests
• doubts
• queries
• calls in question
• protests
• oppugns
• impeaches
• objects (to)
• resists
• kicks (about)
• opposes
• mistrusts
• fights
• combats

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• believes
• accepts
• embraces
• supports
• swallows
• defends
• backs
• advocates
• champions
• promotes
• endures
• tolerates
• abides
• stomachs

2

as in dares

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

• dares
• confronts
• stumps
• defies
• faces
• braves
• breasts
• outbraves
• brazens
• outfaces
• beards

3

as in requires

to have as a requirement

having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requires
• needs
• demands
• wants
• takes
• claims
• involves
• necessitates
• calls for
• warrants
• entails
• bears
• asks
• begs
• lacks
• cries (for)
• hurts (for)
• clamors (for)
• insists
• stipulates
• commands
• quests
• presses
• exacts
• enjoins

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• has
• holds
• possesses
• owns

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of challenges

Noun

The high risk of – and challenges of addressing – oil spills and other safety incidents in the hostile Arctic climate are another dissuading factor, as are environmental costs of operating there. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

The incident and conflicting user experiences highlight some of the challenges of relying on smart devices for critical tasks, like ensuring a furry loved one gets food. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026

Leavitt's departure comes as the president and his party face challenges with voters over his handling of the economy and rising prices amid the Iran war. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

The two EPs’ lyrics reflect a progression in themes related to the band members’ challenges adjusting to global stardom and the pressures of rising fame. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

For Mars, one of the biggest challenges was finding new colors that could stay consistent while being produced at a large scale. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

The challenges China faces are not limited to the United States and Europe. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

But Freeing, Too Despite these challenges, the women Flow Space spoke to are excited about their lives now. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2026

The Georgia case is one of several legal challenges confronting the NCAA over the transition to its new eligibility system. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

Summary Productivity expert Neal Schore challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that true time loss stems not from poor planning but from internal factors like fear, overthinking, and emotional habits. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

In the three-part docuseries (now streaming on Netflix), Berlinger challenges claims that Manson’s motives behind the killings weren’t to start a race war. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Staffing challenges The FDA had 432 inspectors in 2024, and its hiring rate has not outpaced losses, according to the GAO report. — Julia Ingram, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Once again, Southlake Carroll challenges a state title contender, continuing one of Texas’ hardest schedules. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026

Dragonfly challenges Species living in specialized environments are particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction, said Marla Garrison, faculty emeritus at McHenry County College. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

More determined than ever, Elsa challenges patriarchal structures and carves out a path for her independent motherhood. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

More determined than ever, Elsa challenges patriarchal structures and creates space for her autonomous motherhood. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

Crawling laterally challenges frontal-plane control under load, requiring your core to respond to shifting weight while your limbs move rather than locking down. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026