Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
challenge (verb)transitive verb
1.
to demand as due or deserved - require an event that challenges explanation
2.
to order to halt and prove identity - the sentry challenged the stranger
3.
to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded - impugn new data that challenges old assumptions
4.
to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of - challenge a juror
5.
a) to confront or defy boldly - dare he challenged his critics to prove his guilt
b) to call out to duel or combat
c) to invite into competition - he challenged his brother to a tennis match
6.
to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties - she wants a job that will challenge her
7.
intransitive verb
to administer a physiological and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
1.
to make or present a challenge
2.
to take legal exception
1.
a) a summons that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting , specifically a summons to a duel to answer an affront
b) an invitation to compete in a sport
2.
a) a calling to account or into question - protest
b) an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn
c) a sentry's command to halt and prove identity
d) a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
3.
a stimulating task or problem - looking for new challenges
4.
the act or process of provoking or testing physiological activity by exposure to a specific substance , especially a test of immunity by exposure to an antigen
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
challenge (noun)1.
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
SYNONIMS:
challenge, complaint, demur, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, protest, question, remonstrance, stinkRELATED WORDS:
compunction, doubt, misgiving, qualm, scruple; misunderstanding; cavil, niggle [], quibble; argument, conflict, debate, dispute, dissent, hassle, quarrel, squabble, static; censure, criticism; defiance, disobedience, rebellion; distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [], incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt, mistrust, mistrustfulness, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty; qualmishness, unease, uneasiness; reluctance, unwillingnessNEAR ANTONYMS:
willingness; approval, sanction; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent; compliance, obedience2.
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
SYNONIMS:
case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, troubleRELATED WORDS:
issue, question; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot; crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie ( toughy); catch-22, dilemma, quandary; catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag; conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle; brainteaser, perplexer, poser, stumperNEAR ANTONYMS:
magic bullet, silver bullet; cure-all, panacea1.
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
SYNONIMS:
contest, dispute, impeach, oppugn, query, questionRELATED WORDS:
doubt, mistrust; kick (about), object (to), protest; combat, fight, oppose, resistNEAR ANTONYMS:
back, defend, support; advocate, champion, promote; abide, endure, stomach, tolerate2.
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat
SYNONIMS:
dare, defy, stumpRELATED WORDS:
beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, face, outbrave, outface3.
to have as a requirement
SYNONIMS:
bear, challenge, claim, demand, necessitate, require, take, want, warrantRELATED WORDS:
entail, involve; ask, beg, claim, clamor (for), cry (for); hurt (for), lack; command, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulateNEAR ANTONYMS:
own, possess