1
2
as in to confront
to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage
every day the old fisherman dared the elements to make his meager living
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 dare
Yet the unit also targets dissenters and those, including various clans, some backed by Israel, that dare to defy Hamas’s rule.
—
Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The contrasts are part of what defines Sarah LaPonte and chef Nik Forsberg’s daring Nordic-ish restaurant, where anyone can find their niche.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Built like a small oak-wood icebox, Wilson always looked more like a second baseman who loved planting his feet, hanging in there on a double play, and daring a charging base runner to take him out.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Things other people wouldn’t care — or dare — to do.
—Sophia Tiedge, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dare
Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The contrasts are part of what defines Sarah LaPonte and chef Nik Forsberg’s daring Nordic-ish restaurant, where anyone can find their niche.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Built like a small oak-wood icebox, Wilson always looked more like a second baseman who loved planting his feet, hanging in there on a double play, and daring a charging base runner to take him out.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Things other people wouldn’t care — or dare — to do.
—Sophia Tiedge, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dare
Verb
-
But over the past few years, conservatives have used the committee as a personal tool to subvert and challenge GOP leaders.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Foreign-aid organizations challenged the administration's ability to refuse to spend funds already allocated by Congress.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Getting confronted with gruesome, horrific imagery has, unfortunately, become an assumed risk when logging onto social media.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Jurors at the trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, heard from the Secret Service agent who confronted an armed Routh on the golf course before Routh fled, and a witness who identified Routh to police.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
One of the main challenges facing the economy is the strained relationship between Beijing and Washington as disputes over technology and geopolitics mount.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Jackson faced several setbacks this season but proved her fitness during the 100-meter dash rounds the past two days.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dare. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share