challenged

Definition of challengednext
past tense of challenge

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 challenged Last year, the IRS proposed settling a lawsuit brought by the National Religious Broadcasters, an evangelical Christian media group, and two Texas churches that challenged a ban on most nonprofits from endorsing political candidates in elections. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 The controversy comes after competitors of CMDSS challenged the initial decision by the Marshals Service to award the contract, claiming the firm lacked appropriate credentials from the SEC and that its employment of a former staffer from the agency created a conflict of interest. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 Recording is a First Amendment right, said Block, who thinks Florida’s law could be deemed unconstitutional if it’s challenged in court. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 The search is challenged by uneven terrain, temperature fluctuations, and limited visibility at times. Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026 The traditional mechanisms of distribution are being challenged by the immediate demands of streaming, digital scale, and platform-centric business models. Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026 There were concerns about whether the candidacy forms submitted to the Secretary of State’s office, which is located in the Statehouse, could be challenged by a political opponent if they were not processed correctly, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 That money has become available as the ordinance is now being challenged in court. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026 Keller then challenged him to a fight and the student retreated into the hall. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenged
Verb
  • Hypnotists questioned the children who were with Shannon that afternoon.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • While Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told lawmakers on the record the streamer is about a 45-day exclusive theatrical window for movies, many rival studio sources have questioned the streaming boss’ intent.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • A couple of decades’ worth of pressure later, the Supreme Court’s Heller decision affirmed a much broader right to gun ownership than the previous generation’s NRA would have dared thought achievable.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The start of the downfall of the Daniel arap Moi dictatorship belongs, among others, to a small group of courageous Kenyan lawyers who at great risk dared to challenge these government abuses in court.
    Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • For prizes of $50,000 or more, you are required to claim in person at the Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • That is why amendments were required — to correct injustice, not ignore it.
    Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Poway girls had the advantage on the mat, winning five of the nine matches actually contested, scoring four pins and a one-sided major decision.
    Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Certainly there will be some discussion this weekend of classic games contested inside Allen Fieldhouse.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The cost of providing data centers with the electricity needed is likely driving up electric bills for consumers.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • An appeals court also reversed a ruling from a judge in Chicago that barred federal agents from using certain riot control weapons, including tear gas and pepper balls, unless needed to prevent an immediate threat.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Noem accused Pretti of being a domestic terrorist and brandishing a weapon before he was shot, a claim disputed by bystander footage of the incident.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Colombo disputed claims from federal authorities that Wedding had been in hiding out in Mexico.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The somber crowd created a memorial and demanded ICE leave Minnesota, echoing the outrage that followed George Floyd’s death.
    Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Bondi also demanded that Maine release its voter data, prompting a similar reaction from that state’s top elections official, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, also a Democrat.
    Alex Derosier, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Celta’s fan group Carcamans Celestes, from the small fishing village on the island of A Illa de Arousa in north-west Spain, wanted to show their support for Iglesias.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Campbell wanted to focus on tomorrow.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenged. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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