Synonyms of challenging

challenging 1 of 2

adjective

ˈcha-lən-jiŋ 

1

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

an exceptionally challenging brainteaser

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard
• formidable
• complicated
• heavy
• rough
• rugged
• strenuous
• arduous
• exhausting
• effortful
• testing
• severe
• uphill
• grueling
• tall
• intricate
• sweaty
• complex
• painful
• laborious
• exacting
• backbreaking
• murderous
• killer
• herculean
• problematic
• serious
• toilsome
• stiff
• tricky
• elusive
• annoying
• stressful
• pick-and-shovel
• involved
• hellacious
• stubborn
• troublesome
• brutal
• oppressive
• grim
• thorny
• abstract
• trying
• burdensome
• onerous
• moiling
• abstruse
• tight
• bruising
• Augean
• insoluble
• recondite
• knotty
• irksome
• hairy
• opaque
• ticklish
• vexatious
• strict
• labored
• bothersome
• distressing
• taxing
• stringent
• spiny
• cruel
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• light
• soft
• effortless
• clear
• undemanding
• cheap
• facile
• manageable
• achievable
• doable
• mindless
• elementary
• uncomplicated
• smooth
• gentle
• comforting
• soothing
• relaxed
• accessible
• painless
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

2

as in demanding

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention

a challenging test designed to whittle down the number of contestants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• demanding
• tough
• arduous
• hard
• burdensome
• onerous
• laborious
• exacting
• grueling
• killing
• taxing
• formidable
• strenuous
• toilsome
• testing
• persnickety
• rigorous
• oppressive
• trying
• rough
• rugged
• stiff
• herculean
• stringent
• strict
• severe
• rigid
• stern

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• undemanding
• easy
• simple
• unchallenging
• smooth
• nondemanding
• effortless
• facile

challenging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of challenge

1

as in questioning

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of

don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• questioning
• contesting
• disputing
• doubting
• impeaching
• querying
• calling in question
• protesting
• oppugning
• opposing
• resisting
• mistrusting
• kicking (about)
• fighting
• combating
• objecting (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accepting
• believing
• supporting
• embracing
• defending
• swallowing
• backing
• promoting
• advocating
• enduring
• championing
• tolerating
• abiding
• stomaching

2

as in daring

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

• daring
• confronting
• stumping
• defying
• braving
• breasting
• facing
• brazening
• outbraving
• bearding
• outfacing

3

as in requiring

to have as a requirement

having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requiring
• demanding
• needing
• taking
• wanting
• involving
• necessitating
• claiming
• calling for
• warranting
• asking
• bearing
• lacking
• entailing
• begging
• crying (for)
• insisting
• hurting (for)
• clamoring (for)
• enjoining
• exacting
• pressing
• commanding
• stipulating
• questing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• having
• holding
• possessing
• owning

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of challenging

Adjective

It’s intended for use on battlefields and other challenging environments. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

In March, pioneering Chicago craft breweries Half Acre and Maplewood merged under one corporate umbrella, maintaining separate brands while sharing brewing facilities to better navigate a challenging craft beer industry. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Verb

Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Brazil's first non-native coach sparked controversy, challenging the nation's proud football heritage. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

In three of the past four races, he was swept into a wreck without fault (Michigan), had a flat tire late while challenging for the win (San Diego) and suffered a mechanical failure last week at Sonoma. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 2026