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

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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
Meta had prevailed over the existential challenge to its business that could have forced the tech giant to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp after a judge ruled that the company does not hold a monopoly in social networking. Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 That will be Cignetti’s challenge now, a challenge made all the more difficult with the advent of NIL and the transfer portal. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Standing inside the empty shop, Basso said the lack of foot traffic has been challenging. Eva Andersen, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 Harvard University was a notable exception, challenging the administration's actions in court. Bill Chappell, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • At a City Hall news conference, the mayor responded to a question about retroactive changes to the 2026 budget, which aldermen passed over his objections last month, by reiterating the package could force personnel cuts.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • During the certification process, members of Congress have the opportunity to object to a state’s results, which triggers debate and then a vote about whether the objection is to be upheld.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Automakers have been surprisingly resilient during the challenges, but those issues are now combining with more traditional industry problems of affordability and slowing consumer demand.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
  • However, Morgan has indicated in interviews that another problem was a BBC executive’s dislike of the show.
    Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The agency added that one individual is being questioned as the investigation continues.
    Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Friends question her sanity and stability, and Helen loses herself further inside her mounting grief.
    Adam Graham, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even in 20-degree weather, Morris wouldn’t dare keep his son home.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • None of us dares skip the reading, and nobody bails on the meeting.
    Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In August 2024, federal prosecutors accused JMG Investments and Schwartz of improperly receiving two PPP loans in December 2020 and not repaying the duplicate loan as required, according to the DOJ.
    Andrea Klick, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Changing this dynamic requires support from labor unions, which often perceive this way of housing construction as a threat.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That type of big-moment success was more the exception than the rule, however, in a Chiefs defensive season defined by letdowns in late, game-changing moments.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Dark matter interacts with itself and normal matter only through the gravitational force and nothing else.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The spokesperson declined to provide any further information, citing an ongoing matter.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, reports surfaced that five jurors have since come forward contesting the hung jury, claiming that the jury had unanimously voted to acquit Read on two of the three charges, according to a motion published by WHDH and reviewed by PEOPLE.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The detective’s version of what Troy said that afternoon, however, would in time be hotly contested.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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