1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demanding
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
a challenging test designed to whittle down the number of contestants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
It also was marked by Harrison Butker missing another field goal and a PAT — albeit one made more challenging by Hunt’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Lambert said the process for Tyson to remove specific ingredients from their range of products can be challenging and time consuming, as the company has more than 1,850 items across its portfolio.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
What's been the most challenging part about college or studies?
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
It also was marked by Harrison Butker missing another field goal and a PAT — albeit one made more challenging by Hunt’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
For the Boy Scouts of America — recently renamed Scouting America — the past 12 years have been challenging.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Lambert said the process for Tyson to remove specific ingredients from their range of products can be challenging and time consuming, as the company has more than 1,850 items across its portfolio.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
Winning that game won't be easy, but winning it without Lamb would be even more difficult.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Sep. 2025
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There will be times, like at a raucous Goodison Park last February, when Everton can rise to an occasion and make life difficult for their neighbours.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Oh, and New Amy also discovers than everyone pretty much hated Old Amy, who was a demanding, uncompromising chief of internal medicine with no time for niceties.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The work is physically demanding and emotionally draining.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At a time when audiences are questioning what’s real, what’s biased, and what’s missing, Hemmer’s reflections offer a reminder that integrity matters more than ever.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Trump has sued various news organizations, having most recently filed a $15 billion defamation suit against the Times for articles questioning his business success.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Shot down on a college campus for daring to defend the very values that made the West worth saving.—
Ayaan Hirsi Ali,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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His co-star is Margot Robbie, still basking in her post-Barbie glow and easily one of the most reliable and daring A-list actors working today.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Other laws included policies barring ICE from accessing schools and hospitals without a judicial warrant and requiring schools, colleges, and universities to alert parents when ICE is on campus.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Sep. 2025
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Suggestions to do so include posting signage at courthouses requiring ICE agents to identify themselves upon entry and asking agencies to prohibit employees from sharing information about court appointments with ICE.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Red Rocketeers were looking to bounce back after a tough loss against King Phillip, but the opponent was strong.—
Zachary McMahon,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
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Lee described the rookies as tough competitors who displayed a championship mentality during their run to the summer league championship.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Confirmation of contesting countries usually takes place the October before the event, which is held the following May.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, businesses are limited by the administrative process for contesting tariffs, under which tariff adjustments must occur in a period of 314 days, or slightly more than 10 months.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Small accents here and there help transition to Halloween for October without needing to completely redecorate once the holiday ends.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Sep. 2025
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This question opens up powerful lessons on letting go of control, ego, needing to be right or doing it all alone.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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