CHALLENGES Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

challenges 1 of 2

noun

plural of challenge

as in objections

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent there were no serious challenges to the legislative bill, so it passed easily

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Relevance

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as in problems

something that requires thought and skill for resolution the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century

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challenges

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of challenge

as in questions

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

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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

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as in requires

to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

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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 challenges

Noun

There are also suites designed to accommodate mobility challenges, featuring wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and roll-in showers. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Memories of those early, exhausting days of fatherhood cannot be extricated from the challenges of rewriting a particularly thorny vignette. —

Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 To address these challenges, here are seven essential business travel habits that effective leaders use to stay healthy and sharp while on the road. —

Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The shock therapy treatment has faced legal challenges for years. —

O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 1 June 2026 There are logistical challenges too. —

Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 June 2026 Manufacturing scale-up Transitioning SiC processes from research fabs to high-volume manufacturing introduces challenges that go beyond materials quality. —

Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 However, the majority of mutual funds have faced challenges to keep up with the gains in the broader market — only 30% are exceeding benchmarks compared with an average 37% historically, the firm said. —

Justina Lee, CNBC, 25 May 2026 That is perhaps not surprising, as FIFA has faced governance challenges in the past, including issues of corruption, bribery and fraud, plus accounting practices that critics say lack transparency. —

Richard Sheehan, Fortune, 25 May 2026

Verb

This challenges our traditional view of the CEO’s role, turning it into the single, central point of integration — an approach only viable in a small handful of the most powerful tech companies. —

Adrienne Down Coulson, Fortune, 2 June 2026 Our mission is to create bold, cinematic film and television that challenges perception, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting emotional imprint. —

Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 1 June 2026 Each quarterly review is an occasion on which an auditor catches an error, challenges a judgment, or sees a going-concern problem forming. —

Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The throughline of his life is his on-again, off-again friendship with, but also his steadfast love for a neighbor girl of the upper class, who challenges him repeatedly to become his better self. —

The Know, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 This week's exercise is one of the additions to my pregame workouts, as the Mulch Transition movement challenges all the same muscles. —

Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026 With her most relaxed looks, Johnson's wardrobe challenges the idea that elegance can only be achieved with heels, giving us more options to look fabulous. —

Michel Mejía, Glamour, 30 May 2026 Catcher Carson Kelly challenges. —

New York Times, 29 May 2026 The finding challenges the usual image of carnivorous dinosaurs as constantly fast-moving predators and instead offers a glance at their slower day-to-day behavior. —

Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenges

Noun

With no objections and the window for objections having ended, the USPTO is expected to register QuadGod to Malinin, and that registration should occur in a matter of weeks.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 3 June 2026
In the felony battery case, the court later granted Jimenez’s request to participate in the mental health diversion program despite the prosecutor’s objections, Gire said Monday.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026