The word “challenging” belongs to two different parts, and which part it belongs to is only determined by the role it plays in a sentence.
This means that there is more than one interchangeable word for it as it can perform so many different roles. Finding the perfect synonym for “challenging” requires understanding the context in which it’s been used.
It could be used as an adjective or a verb, or it could be used as an adjective that is slightly different from another adjectival form of “challenging.”
So, let us first find out what part of speech it belongs to.
What Part Of Speech Does “Challenging” Belong To?
Challenging can be an adjective or a verb; it depends on how it’s used. For example, in the sentence “I have a challenging job,” the word “challenging” is an adjective that describes the noun “job.” In the sentence “The teacher told his side of the story, challenging the students’ narrative,” the word “challenging” is a verb that describes what the teacher did in response to the students’ tales.
“Challenging” as an Adjective
- Using “challenging” as “demanding”
In this case, “challenging” is used to describe something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or determination. For example, a challenging job might require a lot of skill, effort, or long hours.
Examples:
- My new job is very challenging, but I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I feel when I complete a difficult task.
- The mountain climb was physically challenging, but the views from the summit were worth the effort.
- Using “challenging” as “difficult”
“Challenging” can also be used to describe something that is hard to do or that requires a lot of effort, skill, or determination. In this case, it is used to describe tasks, problems, or situations that are hard to overcome or accomplish.
Examples:
- The math problem was so challenging that they had to call their classmates to help them after spending hours trying to solve it.
- The puzzle was so challenging that I had to ask for help from a friend.
For example, you might say that a math problem is challenging because it requires you to think carefully and use your problem-solving skills to solve it.
Although “challenging” and “difficult” can be used interchangeably, the former tends to have a more positive connotation than the latter.” “Challenging” often connotes that something is difficult but rewarding or fulfilling. “Difficult,” on the other hand, often has a more neutral or negative connotation, suggesting that something is hard to do but not necessarily rewarding.
“Challenging” as a Verb
“Challenging” can also be used as a verb. When used as a verb, “challenge” means to demand something of someone, dare, or question the validity or correctness of something. It can also mean “to confront” or “oppose” someone boldly or aggressively.
For example, you might challenge someone to a game of chess to test their skills and see who is the better player. You can also ‘challenge’ the validity or correctness of someone’s ideas or beliefs by presenting evidence or arguments that contradict them.
Using “challenging” as “daring”
As a verb, “dare” means to be brave or bold enough to do a risky thing. It can also be used to urge, advise, or demand someone to do something that requires effort, creativity, courage, or bravery.
Examples:
- The speaker challenged the audience to think critically about the issues being discussed.
- The coach challenged the players to push themselves harder to improve their skills.
Using “challenging” as “requiring”
“Challenging” can also be used to refer to a requirement.
Examples:
- This type of job challenges creativity.
- Raising kids challenges patience.
Using “challenging” as “questioning”
“Challenging” can be used to describe an action that demands proof of the truth or correctness of something. In this case, it is used to contest, doubt, oppose, query, or dispute an idea, fact, or position.
Examples:
- The activists challenged the politician’s position on the issues during the debate.
- The artist challenged conventional ways and tried new techniques and styles in his work.
Synonyms For Challenging
The synonyms have been divided into those for the adjective version and those for the verb version. Some synonyms are closer to the raw meaning of the word while others just share minor similarities in their meanings
As an Adjective
| difficult | herculean | onerous |
| tough | problematic | burdensome |
| demanding | murderous | moiling |
| rigorous | serious | tight |
| hard | killing | abstruse |
| complicated | killer | bruising |
| formidable | grueling | irksome |
| testing | toilsome | labored |
| rough | tricky | recondite |
| heavy | involved | knotty |
| exhausting | stiff | ticklish |
| arduous | annoying | insoluble |
| strenuous | elusive | vexatious |
| rugged | stressful | bothersome |
| effortful | trying | opaque |
| grueling | hellacious | hairy |
| uphill | taxing | Augean |
| complex | troublesome | strict |
| severe | pick-and-shovel | distressing |
| intricate | stubborn | stringent |
| painful | brutal | spiny |
| laborious | problematical | cruel |
| sweaty | thorny | inhuman |
| tall | oppressive | grievous |
| exacting | grim | persnickety |
| backbreaking | abstract | rigid |
| stern |
As a Verb
| questioning | doubting | calling for |
| contesting | impeaching | querying |
| disputing | opposing | protesting |
| resisting | brazening | oppugning |
| mistrusting | breasting | entailing |
| calling into question | facing | lacking |
| calling in question | outbraving | bearing |
| combating | requiring | begging |
| fighting | needing | exacting |
| combatting | demanding | insisting |
| objecting (to) | taking | enjoining |
| daring | wanting | commanding |
| confronting | necessitating | pressing |
| stumping | involving | questing |
| defying | claiming | stipulating |
| braving | warranting | asking |
Antonym For Challenging
As an Adjective
| easy | uncomplicated | soothing |
| simple | facile | accessible |
| undemanding | cheap | relaxed |
| light | mindless | friendly |
| doable | elementary | painless |
| effortless | comforting | user-friendly |
| soft | smooth | idiotproof |
| clear | gentle | Unchallenging |
| achievable | manageable |
As a Verb
| accepting | swallowing | tolerating |
| supporting | enduring | championing |
| embracing | backing | abiding |
| believing | promoting | stomaching |
| defending | advocating | having |
Final Words on Synonym for Challenging
“Challenging,” an adjective, is used to describe something that is difficult to do or that requires a lot of effort, skill, or determination. It can also refer to a task, a problem, a situation, or an experience that is difficult to overcome or accomplish.
Something that is challenging may require a person to think creatively, use their knowledge and skills, or push themselves beyond their limits to succeed.
As a verb, “challenging” refers to an action that is used when someone demands something of another, defies, dares, or questions the validity or accuracy of something.
