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

There have been a few challenges with the kitchen, namely using an oven designed for making bagels to bake bread. — Connie Ogle july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Picking your battles can save energy for bigger challenges as your child grows. — Parents, 16 July 2026

Despite the financing challenges, state and local housing laws have helped spur an ADU boom across the Bay Area in recent years. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Trump has continued to express interest in the fund after Blanche said it was dropped amid legal challenges. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 16 July 2026

The vessel is believed to be resting in about 130 feet of water, a depth that presents significant challenges for dive operations, Toczko said. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 16 July 2026

California’s health care challenges cannot be solved through competition. — Pradeep Khosla, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026

The measure would shorten windows for environmental review, public comment and legal challenges for certain housing, transportation, water infrastructure and other projects. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Born This Way, produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, debuted on A&E in 2015 and quickly won over critics and audiences with its honest and empathetic portrayals of the challenges and achievements of seven adults with Down syndrome. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Verb

The study challenges the idea that understanding art requires specialist knowledge, arguing that personal responses, emotions, and individual experiences can be just as important as knowing an artist’s biography or historical context. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Beyond her business mindset, Sukihana’s approach to self-expression also challenges traditional expectations of what success can look like for women. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

This exercise challenges you to move each toe individually, which most people find quite difficult. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

If the bill becomes law and the county challenges it, Pio Roda said county attorneys could argue that the state had improperly intruded into a local matter. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Sacramento on Monday, challenges the transaction as stifling competition for wide release theatrical film distribution, big budget motion picture distribution and licensing of basic cable television channels. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2026

Ohio’s governor’s seat tilted toward the Democratic Party’s favor, as Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy challenges a rival with broad name recognition. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2026

That challenges the earlier idea that Homo floresiensis organized and equipped themselves well enough to bring down something as large as a Stegodon. — ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

Still, relationship tension could rise if someone interrupts your momentum or challenges your approach. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026