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

Others cited recruitment challenges – almost four in ten said attracting top talent is harder in Europe than in the US. — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 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

The committee challenges will be first voted on by the caucus’ powerful Steering and Policy Committee, which is generally aligned with party leadership, before the full caucus will have any input. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The complaint adds to the growing list of legal challenges to the mass terminations under FBI Director Kash Patel of agents who participated in investigations of the Republican president or are seen as opposed to Trump administration interests. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Despite the heavy hitters, all this comes with major challenges and caveats. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

These days, the Ambassador has to handle a different set of challenges such as handling the fallout when the boss criticizes the British Prime Minister on social media. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

The author wrote about the Legislature not funding education and the challenges that teachers face. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

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

The team had to balance weight and waterproofing as well as figure out successful take off and landing in water, which reflects light and challenges the sensors used in most consumer drones to gauge distance from the ground. — Max Cea, Time, 15 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

This article challenges you to visit a new part of town and hike a new trail this fall. — Jonah McDonald, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026

The system also challenges the federal investigation’s procedures and conclusions. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Jeremy Irons co-stars as Jesuit priest Father Gabriel, who challenges Mendoza to undergo penance. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

The Lady Greyhounds are there as well, and Niamh Harrigan (Aisling Sharkey) challenges her teammates to split the G, which an older gentleman points out is a tradition that actually started in Britain, not Ireland. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026