challenged 1 of 2

challenged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of challenge

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
Verb
There is the love of Irish and Mexican dance traditions, love challenged by evil sorcerers and family dynamics and the passionate love that ends in tragedy. Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025 Smith unsuccessfully challenged Simpson for his congressional seat in the Republican primaries in 2014 and again in 2022. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Mar. 2025 McIlroy went out in 31 but came home in 37 strokes as the front nine challenged him again. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Tens of thousands of employees on probationary status — typically those new to government or who have recently started in a new role — have been fired, though these terminations have been challenged in court and the administration has been ordered to issue sweeping job reinstatements. Stephen Fowler, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025 Ryback also challenged Punk in a TLC Match on Raw in early 2013, but interference from The Shield cost him the match. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Although the policy is currently being challenged in court, the amount of federal funding for research at institutions across the country remains uncertain. Omer Awan, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Abdul Carter is considered by NFL experts to be the top prospect in this draft, mainly challenged by two-way sensation and Heisman winner Travis Hunter. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 The lawsuit challenged the legality of making such sweeping arrests. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenged
Adjective
  • In addition to overseeing Social Security benefits for retirees and disabled people, the Social Security Administration helps administer programs run by other agencies, including Medicare and Medicaid.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Earlier this year, then-Fire Chief Kristin Crowley cited disabled engines, and a lack of mechanics, as one reason why fire officials did not dispatch more personnel to Pacific Palisades before the Jan. 7 fire.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Some players questioned Steichen’s decision making, and the direction of the franchise.
    Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Chicago was questioned for its decision to honor Rose ahead of other Bulls greats.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Some have even dared to question whether Connor Bedard is the answer to the Hawks’ future.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Or the enduring image of the left fielder swooping two rows into the stands in Chicago for a catch, and the poetry of him throwing out 102 runners who shouldn’t have dared him.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, all applicants are required to complete an online music theory assessment.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • In 2024, Taco Bell also opened a pop-up high-end retirement community, a stunt for all ages to enjoy the better parts of life, no work required.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the study did find that in women who were not cognitively impaired, elevated stress levels or persistently high cortisol in midlife—especially after menopause—may be a silent risk factor, Salardini says.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 5 June 2025
  • Along with a loss of energy, aging felines also start losing their sense of smell and may get impaired vision or hearing, among other physical issues.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The origins of the deadly virus are still contested and politically divisive.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The credit for originating the practice is contested by several claimants.
    Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • What cannot be disputed, however, is that the Padres have invested and continue to invest in their team at a level that is well beyond what not long ago was unthinkable in San Diego and is still seen as unfeasible in several places like it.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Goldberg disputed his characterization.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Challenged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenged. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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