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

This change comes at a time when boards are already facing challenges filling the role. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Community opposition that blocks municipal permits has become a bottleneck, and tech giants could face even more challenges if voters next month elect more public officials who are skeptical of data centers. — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Like other arts organizations, the theater faces financial challenges while competing with streaming services and other digital entertainment. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Some of the oil fields are deep within the Orinoco Belt, a virtual wilderness in central-eastern Venezuela posing major technical challenges. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

To bypass wholesale challenges, China’s next generation of brands is embracing the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model by opening their own stores. — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Eight finalists will compete in a series of challenges inspired by the skills required to make each and every order. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

In her work with CSS and the study, Uhls challenges her gut instincts on young people’s take on entertainment. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Along the way, Eric meets Ivy (Lee), a sharp-witted punk rocker who challenges his perspective. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

The brand challenges the traditional concept of a signature scent, instead encouraging consumers to build a fragrance wardrobe that reflects different facets of their identity, Anderson said. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

The resulting imagery challenges the familiar visual codes of the Hollywood Western without losing sight of the culture’s deep historical roots. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

This study challenges conventional understanding in neuroscience. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

An annual competition called BabyLM challenges researchers to train models on a child’s diet of words. — Charles Yeomans, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Organizers later cited competition in the festival market and challenges booking country artists as factors in skipping 2025 and 2026. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

In doing so, the 1 Pro+ directly challenges top rivals like the $549 Viture Beast. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026