challenge 1 of 2

Definition of challengenext

challenge

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to dare
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 challenge
Noun
Scott was seeking his 13th term in Congress, but had faced mounting pressure to retire due to declining health and party primary challenges. Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Despite these challenges, the sight of the king penguins elegantly navigating through the kelp was stunning. Photovogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Other countries, including European regulators, are looking the deal — and again, states could try to challenge it, too. Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Healey will be challenged by one of the three Republicans running for governor, one of whom will be endorsed at the Republican Party convention Saturday in Worcester. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • The obvious objection is that assigning ownership means nothing unless people honor the assignments.
    Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Gloria’s plan drew immediate objections from groups citywide, including in La Jolla.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This was the problem with conjuring my mother.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Rising to the #1 spot signals strong business fundamentals, consumer trust and a product that genuinely solves a modern pet owner’s problem.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Don't hurt me … Terry Rose was immediately transported to the police department where Wilson and Tamayo were waiting to question him.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Butler said on Friday that police were questioning Brian Hooker on a potential charge of causing harm resulting in death.
    Adam Sabes , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The waters near the border are rich with sea life, but few dare to fish there because the area is heavily restricted and closely watched.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The firm’s interiors feel daring yet steeped in design history, and the designer masterfully layers bold color palettes and whimsical patterns.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To write a poem requires effort, art, inspiration.
    New York Times, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Residents think that the sudden surge in crimes and the apparent randomness with which happening may require a greater response than just city resources.
    Zach Boetto, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Next, the researchers aim to generalize their approach to other quantum processes and refine it for more complex, real-world conditions—where uncertainty is the rule, not the exception.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
  • There are, however, some exceptions—Michter’s 25 and Celebration Sour Mash (the latter is a blend of ages) push this boundary successfully.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The scientists in question worked across specialties ranging from materials processing to the development of cancer drugs, only in some cases dealing with aerospace or nuclear matters.
    Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The Justice Department's Weaponization Working Group is planning to release a report analyzing how the memo came to be, according to sources familiar with the matter.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Biofuels’ energy security benefits are limited, and their climate credentials are contested.
    Nithin Coca, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • But Mendoza Hernandez’s family, and a federal public defender, contest that description of events and say the agents broke their own protocol during the stop.
    Andrew Graham April 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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