Another Word for Challenge: 20 Synonyms with Examples
A challenge is a difficult task that tests someone, or an act of questioning something; as a verb it means to dispute or to test. Swap it to be clearer about which meaning you intend.
As a noun: a difficult task or situation
- difficulty
- test
- problem
- trial
- hurdle
- obstacle
- struggle
As a noun: an act of questioning or disputing
- objection
- dispute
- protest
- query
- opposition
As a verb: to question whether something is right
- question
- dispute
- contest
- oppose
- query
- object to
As a verb: to test someone's ability
- test
- stretch
- tax
- push
- stimulate
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- difficulty
- More neutral; it lacks the sense of a test you can rise to.
- test
- Stresses that ability or character is being measured.
- hurdle
- One specific obstacle on the way to a goal.
- dispute
- As a verb, says you argue a claim is wrong; more formal than "question".
- contest
- Common in legal and official contexts: to contest a will, a decision or a seat.
- stretch
- To challenge in a positive way, making someone use their full ability.
Example sentences
- difficulty: The team faced real difficulty in recruiting enough staff for the summer.
- test: The final climb was a genuine test of their fitness.
- hurdle: Getting planning permission was the last hurdle before building could start.
- dispute: Several scientists disputed the study's conclusions.
- contest: The family decided to contest the decision in court.
- stretch: The advanced class is designed to stretch the most able pupils.
Opposite of challenge
- ease
- accept
- agree
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “challenge”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: gainsay
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “challenge”?
The most useful alternatives are “difficulty”, “test”, “problem”, “trial”, “hurdle”. For the main sense (a difficult task or situation), “difficulty” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “difficulty” and “test”?
difficulty: More neutral; it lacks the sense of a test you can rise to. test: Stresses that ability or character is being measured.
What is the opposite of “challenge”?
Common antonyms are “ease”, “accept”, “agree”.