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
As a result, production slowed and export shipments were delayed, creating further challenges across the supply chain. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026 Many Californians avoid Mills Act homes because of strict preservation rules, but the couple enjoys the challenge of restoring and caring for their historic house. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Duvet inserts and comforters themselves can be challenging to clean, often requiring professional laundering or careful at-home washing if your washer is large enough. Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 The younger guys, who may make excuses or shy away when a coach challenges them, will respect what players like Goldstein or senior catcher Gianni Corral have to say. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • That deal and others that followed were cleared over the objections of top antitrust division staff including Slater.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The bill initially passed 87-36 in the House and 30-9 in the Senate — both above the two-thirds threshold necessary to enact legislation into law over the governor’s objection.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This is a particular problem for Task-Ambience air conditioning (TAAC) systems.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
  • As a three-term Mecklenburg County commissioner, my daily concern is delivering common-sense solutions to our problems as efficiently as possible to keep the tax rate low.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The first inkling of the government questioning the DHS account came from the US Department of Justice.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The planned 90,000-square-foot project would represent the most significant change to the White House grounds in decades and is advancing even as it is challenged in court and questioned on Capitol Hill.
    Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • See the 11 ways to style barrel jeans below for all who dare to adopt the polarizing jean trend this season and beyond.
    India Roby, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The Trial of Seven is about to commence — a clash of mud, blood, and iron before a roaring crowd to determine the fate of the aspiring knight that dared to defend a lowly stage performer from a rampaging Targaryen prince.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Identification requires letting Chinese cultural logic influence the structure of a campaign — not just its visuals or celebrity cast.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Whatever chemistry is required for incredible players to band together existed immediately, and the remaining outfield players worked hard to support them, defend and create chances to put the ball in behind opponents on counterattacks.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The exception to the rule came in the Division 5 boys bracket, where league champion Health Sciences was awarded a home game for a Monday play-in contest against higher-seeded Holtville.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Those exceptions are not listed in the OMES report.
    Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Illinois, meanwhile, had no issue raining shots from long range in the first half, or speeding past USC through the lane, for that matter.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The appeals court didn’t attempt to resolve the underlying issue, but agreed with state officials that Huntington Beach’s charter-city status doesn’t give it the authority over election-integrity issues, which are a state matter.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Performing Under Pressure in Milan At the 2026 Games, Gu is the lone female freeskier contesting all three freestyle events.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In an era when election legitimacy is constantly contested, confidence is not a luxury.
    Reardon Sullivan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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