1
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
there were no serious challenges to the legislative bill, so it passed easily
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
the many challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to question
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to require
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of challenge
Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
The mother-son dynamic between Lui and Shou never hits a false note while both actors never downplay the challenges that each of their characters confront.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Her first card challenges her to go to the movies 10 times with her husband.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
For individuals in recovery, those internal and external pressures can collide with the neurological and emotional challenges of early sobriety.
—Verb
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
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At a City Hall news conference, the mayor responded to a question about retroactive changes to the 2026 budget, which aldermen passed over his objections last month, by reiterating the package could force personnel cuts.—
-
During the certification process, members of Congress have the opportunity to object to a state’s results, which triggers debate and then a vote about whether the objection is to be upheld.—
Noun
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Her main problem was with the MAGA movement in general, believing that her negative interactions with MAGA protesters reflected the hearts and minds of the movement more broadly.—
-
No, a Super Bowl run isn't likely for this team, but Pittsburgh does have a bit of a unique offense that could give defenses that rely on their pass rush problems.—
Verb
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England only played one warm-up match before the series, against an England Lions team, while McCullum’s attack-minded philosophy has also been questioned amid a number of hapless dismissals during the series.—
-
The striking parallels between the two regimes have led many observers to turn their attention to Iran and question whether the ailing Khamenei could face a similar fate.—
Verb
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Only the ice would dare utter such a taunt to the Quad God.—
-
The dress featured a sparkly insect motif on the chest and a daring hip-high slit.—
Verb
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If a development project met certain standards set by the state, local officials would be required to approve it.—
-
The length of cold required to break dormancy in any particular tree species depends on both the length of typical winter and the variability of winter temperature patterns where a species evolved.—
Noun
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That type of big-moment success was more the exception than the rule, however, in a Chiefs defensive season defined by letdowns in late, game-changing moments.—
-
Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.—
Noun
-
Coker, to be clear, had no say in the matter.—
-
Earlier this week, Risch spoke with Boise’s KIVI-TV Channel 6, and briefly addressed the matter.—
Verb
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He was credited with contesting six shots inside the arc.—
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When power is taken from the outside, domestic institutions struggle to assert authority, legitimacy is contested and responsibility diffuses just when clarity is needed.—
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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