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
Shifting loyalties, complicated emotions, and unexpected challenges force their circle to confront difficult truths, as new opportunities and past tensions collide—raising the stakes and setting the stage for lasting consequences. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 June 2026 The dead hang—hanging from a bar—is a tough fitness challenge, particularly for your shoulders, core, and even your hands. Christa Sgobba, Health, 24 June 2026
Verb
Landing a first choice can be challenging. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Determined to understand what is really going on, two teenagers begin an investigation that leads them to challenge the invaders, their town’s conformity and their own uncertainties. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Photos of Haaland on the tarmac posted to social media were riddled with homophobia and comments questioning the striker’s masculinity.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Maps published by the Israeli government show the pilot zones encompassing the villages of Froun, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and Ghandouriyeh, but commentators question their value, noting Israel does not have a significant presence in those villages.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • An Arizona startup, Katalyst Space Technologies, is undertaking a daring mission to save NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • After that, Cyrus settled into a rocker chic aesthetic and has continued wearing daring looks over the years.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Of those, about 116,000 homes are needed at rents below $1,300 per month.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • Given the scale of the tragedy and the size of its foreign debt, Venezuela needs far more than the aid now arriving to assist those affected and rebuild its infrastructure.
    Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • While the majority of states have lieutenant governors, there are exceptions.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The news comes as Lackland Air Force Base in Texas — home to the Air Force's Basic Military Training program — grapples with a flu outbreak that has infected 275 people in recent weeks, a congressional staffer with knowledge of the matter told CBS News.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • To make matters worse, microbiome testing has gotten cheaper and faster, but not more accurate.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Abbott is contesting that verdict and the Missouri appeals court’s decision.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Among the 16 players in the league to contest at least six shots per game that season, that percentage ranked third behind only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, who were the top two finalists for Defensive Player of the Year this season.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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