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

Additionally, analysts note that one of Burnham's immediate major challenges will be fiscal hurdles. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

But now the island’s cigar industry is facing a perfect storm of existential challenges. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026

Of course, challenges immediately present themselves, the silliest of which belongs to Samir and Paul Baker. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Judith Kreeger overcame gender barriers, work challenges and a surprise career. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Since last fall, Parton had missed or postponed a number of public appearances citing health challenges. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

That navigator works to understand their needs and challenges, and then provides tailored recommendations. — Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

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

Verb

Another challenges applicants to create a social media post about a food or flavor combination they're currently obsessed with. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

This challenges the assumption that such behavior belongs to anyone’s true identity. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

The lawsuit challenges new NCAA eligibility rules that give athletes a five-year window to compete in college sports. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

The study, analyzing data from 2021-2024, challenges the perception of cannabis as a safe substance. — Omer Awan, 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