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
Major staffing challenges and clashes with labor partners make addressing a budget shortfall now amounting to $170 million this year an even more harrowing task. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026 But his new world tour met its first major challenge when British prime minister Keir Starmer expressed concern on Sunday over the artist headlining this summer’s Wireless Festival in London given Ye’s prior antisemitism. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Environmental advocates and state officials have challenged the orders in court, with cases underway in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026 The fact that the work continues to surprise and challenge Solomon seems to be one of its greatest pleasures. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • Easter is upon us, and in recognition of the Holy Week, a judge allowed Chicago-area clergy members to enter the Broadview immigration processing center and minister to the detainees inside — despite the government’s objections.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nor is this some vague or emotional objection.
    Kelsey Maurine Brickl, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • According to ZamZows, most Idahoans have a mix of sandy and clay soil, which can both cause problems in the garden.
    McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
  • But even the significant pressure of hundreds, then thousands, of criminal defendants being released or their cases dropped did little to move the needle on a permanent solution to the problem.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Still, some critics have questioned the role of law enforcement on school campuses, particularly in secondary schools, raising concerns that such programs can feel more like surveillance than support.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hidden cost of going back to school Students are increasingly questioning the value proposition of higher education.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • It’s built with zero compromises for those who want to undertake daring off-road adventures.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026
  • After a dramatic Easter weekend for the war in Iran—downed American fighter jets, a daring rescue behind enemy lines, and strikes on universities and petrochemical plants—traders hesitated at Monday’s opening bell.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As a condition of his release, he will be required to prove any money used to post bond comes from a legitimate source.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The saltwater pools were preserved and the property has brought them back to their natural state, which requires delicately balancing the flora and fauna and salinity levels.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Admittedly, Thursday's session was a bit of an exception to this inverse relationship between oil and stocks.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
  • One exception was a colorful painting installed along both sides of the sanctuary, high above the heads of visitors, to represent the men and women who once crowded into the balcony to observe the proceedings and express their views.
    Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Broadway and Downtown, 12South, East Nashville and The Gulch each have a distinct feel, so choosing where to base yourself matters.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The team and players — two of whom accepted asylum offers to remain in Australia — didn't comment on the matter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My interest in this goes back 10 or 15 years to when China was really starting to rise on the international stage and starting to contest global norms, global ideas, and going after the hearts and minds in places around the world.
    Fatma Tanis, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Norfleet contested the accusations and took the matter to trial.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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