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

But identifying remains that had been soaking in water for decades presents a long list of challenges. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey, himself a two-time All-Pro, presented Jefferson plenty of challenges in their one-on-one matchups. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

The early harvest also poses logistical challenges in a region where grapes are traditionally picked by hand, with some workers still on summer vacation and others facing transportation delays. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

App updates can’t erase the underlying challenges presented by rising digital competition for both rights and eyeballs, but ESPN’s platform evolution says plenty about how the company plans to win future fan attention. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Lopez said that cognitive reappraisal offers people a better ability to face challenges. — Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

One of the challenges in getting people to art museums is just pulling people away from their screens. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Connecticut hospitals have for years reported financial challenges resulting from stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates to rising inflation and medication costs. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 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

Verb

Practical questioning can deflate your enthusiasm when Venus challenges Saturn. — Usa Today, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

This development directly challenges Apple's privacy-first brand, as a third-party AI now interacts with its core messaging platform. — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Other examples could include someone who challenges projections from the models that modern organizations are often tethered to. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Staffing challenges Even when there’s money, there may not be staff. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 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