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

Bailey and the Jets will face a more challenging opponent in the Packers during their home opener. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Mercury opposes Saturn, challenging assumptions about a plan, belief, trip, course of study, or future direction. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

But today’s business environment is challenging those assumptions. — Patty Templeton-Jones, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

When residents suggested the city buy land elsewhere — and float a bond to pay for it — Mayor Brad Pike responded by putting a price on the idea and challenging the room to accept it. — Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026