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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of challenge
Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Wednesday’s case derived from a legal challenge from a group of white voters, some of whom didn’t know they were named in litigation, who said Louisiana legislators’ creation of two minority-majority voting districts following the 2020 census disenfranchised them.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Charles Ornstein, ProPublica, 30 Apr. 2026
Mahan, the San Jose mayor who is also running in the moderate lane, challenged Becerra on policy specifics.
—Anne Bryson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Noun
Communities are still facing daily challenges accessing food, water and basic services because of the rampant insecurity, says CARE’s interim country director in Haiti, Rachelle Arnoux.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Wednesday’s case derived from a legal challenge from a group of white voters, some of whom didn’t know they were named in litigation, who said Louisiana legislators’ creation of two minority-majority voting districts following the 2020 census disenfranchised them.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prying records from government agencies has been challenging for a long time, in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
—Charles Ornstein, ProPublica, 30 Apr. 2026
Mahan, the San Jose mayor who is also running in the moderate lane, challenged Becerra on policy specifics.
—Anne Bryson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
-
Kelly said a decision to release surveillance footage despite investigators’ objections became a lasting distraction.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Coleman decided to blend Italian cooking with barbecue cooking by introducing BBQ spaghetti—in spite of her mother’s objections.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Third-rounder Keagen Trost could help improve the depth of the offensive line, but the Rams really could use another impact wide receiver given Davante Adams’ age and Puka Nacua’s off-field problems.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Be clear about what matters, then test small changes that won’t create bigger problems later.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With the third-year pro also coming off a subpar 2025 campaign, Wells’ offensive capabilities have been the subject of questioning in recent weeks and months.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The Republican has built a reputation in part due to his willingness to question the federal government’s role in releasing classified information.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Billie Eilish transformed herself in a golden-age Hollywood ball gown, and Zoë Kravitz caused a sensation by daring to wear sheer.—
Blanche Marcel,
Vanity Fair,
27 Apr. 2026
-
And what could be more defensive and self-aggrandizing than choosing a weaker person to pick on, to transfer all of one’s anxieties to, and then to harm for daring to comply?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Companies are required, under threat of criminal penalties, to bring new information to the government’s attention.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Human oversight remains part of the workflow through integration with Robotic Security Operations Center, where remote analysts monitor activity, verify alerts, and direct responses when required, ensuring continuous supervision alongside autonomous functions, reports Electrek.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Avdija took exception to Castle’s actions and shoved him.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Future observations, especially across more wavelengths and with next-generation detectors, will be crucial to confirm whether this behavior is typical or a rare exception.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As her anxiety rises, sticking to the essentials has become a matter of financial survival, Rosado said.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Three seats — two contested — are on the June 2 primary ballot for the seven-member Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
So your rotations aren’t just about contesting 3s.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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