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
  • When New England became a stop on major international trade routes, the multicultural floodgates opened and Puritan objections to things like fashion, elaborate design, lavish displays of wealth and other things deemed excessive were being continually, casually challenged.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • On Tuesday, the ELPC and other environmental groups sued the EPA over its slow response to objections to the Gary permit.
    John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • All the problems of the world are a result of humans being lost and controlled by their egos.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • The problem is set to worsen as temperatures continue to rise.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 28 June 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
  • Miami, which is operating under a $209 million hard cap, would be able to use the full exception if Wiggins opts out or if Wiggins opts in but the Heat is able to offload another $4 million in salary.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
  • Let’s hope that George Santayana’s warning to those ignorant of history about the past repeating itself makes an exception for our present Defense Department.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 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
  • The Los Angeles Times has won top honors in the National Press Club’s annual journalism awards contest, receiving the Nell Minow Award for Cultural Criticism and the Breaking News Award for print/online.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • Reese finished with 12 rebounds, but Thornton made her work for every touch near the basket, consistently positioning herself to contest without fouling and keeping Atlanta’s interior offense disorganized throughout the first three quarters.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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