CHALLENGED Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

challenged

verb

Definition of challenged

past tense of challenge

as in questioned

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dared

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

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as in required

to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of challenged Davis’ defense attorney, Michael Sanft, challenged jurors to identify evidence outside Davis’ own statements that placed him in Las Vegas or inside the Cadillac on the night Shakur was shot. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 Twenty-four states and voting organizations challenged the regulation after it was finalized. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026 The witness told authorities tension began when Gutierrez repeatedly claimed the chile on his enchiladas was hotter than the chile on Cavazos’ plate and challenged him to eat some. — Madison Lambert, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 The study was challenged by people who’ve had near-death experiences and by some researchers, including Greyson and his colleague, Marieta Pehlivanova, a research scientist at the University of Virginia. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Mangum raced to third and was ruled out before the call was challenged and overturned. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Four pitches were challenged by Chicago catcher Carson Kelly, while Reds star Jose Trevino successfully challenged two. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Unlike York, Kraft challenged the charges, arguing that the evidence against him was inadmissible. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenged

Verb

He was initially detained and questioned then released from Bahamian custody in April.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Several election officials and government advocates have questioned how quickly the Postal Service can stand up the systems necessary to ensure the rule can be followed for this election.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of questioned

Verb

Leaders can distinguish between capabilities required on day one and knowledge that a capable person can reasonably acquire.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
With all 32 teams required to trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday, Lynn made a strong case for a spot on the Jets’ active roster.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of required

Verb

The investment comes as militaries are placing greater emphasis on electronic warfare, airborne sensing and the ability to operate in environments where communications and radar systems may be contested.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Japan’s royal succession depends on a archaic and highly contested law, despite a wealth of women who would be eligible to rule under different circumstances.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of contested

Verb

Reddington disputed the prosecution’s take on the elastic workout bands Clancy used to strangle her children.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
If that disputed relief materializes, officials say the district’s cash could last until April, providing additional runway to identify longer-term solutions.

— Chaewon Chung Updated August 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of disputed

Verb

If Congress wanted the president to retain Section 338 power, Albrecht asks, why did lawmakers pass the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allowed for national security tariffs?

— Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The one person who never wanted to be seen with Dolly in public, astonishingly, was her husband of 59 years and childhood sweetheart, Carl Dean.

— Tania Bryer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of wanted

Verb

Round 8 saw Itauma unleash a salvo of punches on Hrgović, who took them well.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The Falcons took a lengthy look at their starters and survived a second-half push to earn a 17-12 victory over the Dolphins on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of took

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challenge

challenged

challenger

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“Challenged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenged. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of challenged

verb

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