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challenge

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verb

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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

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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
This is a squad in transition, and Tarkowski will be key in helping Everton navigate the challenges that come their way. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 The show, which took place at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, featured an open challenge from TBS Champion Mercedes Moné. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
The government shutdown has delayed the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ jobs report, but private data suggests the market remains challenging, though there are a few bright spots for job seekers. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 Others invite audiences into embodied experiences without headsets, creating physical environments that challenge perceptions of reality, and confront the impact of technology on society and the human condition. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Hogsett promoted Andrews to director of DMD over the objections of the city's HR director.
    Tony Cook, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Attorneys for Lyle and the family filed a formal objection to the further release of audio, but the parole board denied the request, explaining the recordings were public records.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Monday, of course, the problem wasn’t Durbin getting caught stealing.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Cascale’s Joël Mertens further outlined the problem.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and the racial injustice protests in 2020, more people and institutions questioned the narrative of Columbus as only an intrepid sailor and explorer, arguing for a more complete understanding of his historical impact.
    Terry Tang, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Jones and King both appeal to Trump supporters who question the security of elections.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Frankie screamed with a mix of delight and frustration that her owner dared to leave her there alone, which was to be expected.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Ingelsby wanted there to be a scene where Grasso almost dared Tom take him down.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Byrne was at the top of Bronstein’s list to play Linda, a role requiring someone who could balance raw, dramatic emotion with a bit of humor.
    Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Offenders often demand that money be provided quickly and through gift cards or wire transfers, which don’t require identification to collect.
    Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As a general rule, Humbert thinks devices don’t belong on restaurant tables, with exceptions for business meetings and solo meals.
    Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Those exceptions include true threats, defamation, harassment and obscenities.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But on Wednesday, Roberts said, Scott's injury became an 'urgent matter,' necessitating the procedure, which has a recovery timetable of 1-2 weeks.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Working with Sam [Esmail] and working with Rami [Malek] — the relationships are what matter.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Last season, this would have been a Wembanyama contested 3 or a drive past the closeout to try to attack the rim.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The match that the legendary tag team will be observing is set to be contested for both the TNA World Tag Team Championship and the NXT Tag Team Championship.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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