challenging 1 of 2

adjective

ˈcha-lən-jiŋ How to pronounce challenging (audio)
Definition of challengingnext
1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort an exceptionally challenging brainteaser

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demanding
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention a challenging test designed to whittle down the number of contestants

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challenging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of challenge
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people

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2
as in daring
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

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3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

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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 challenging
Adjective
The winter time is the most challenging as the air is cold and dry due to the weather and our heating systems. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 While recycling is a mathematically obvious response to the finite, non-renewable nature of many resources, the economic math is often challenging. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Verb
The cornerback room shows significant improvement with free agent Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse impressing, challenging Carrington Valentine and potentially boosting a unit that struggled last season. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Teams that, as currently constituted, feel one piece short of really challenging in the postseason. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
  1. difficult
  2. demanding
  3. questioning
  4. daring
  5. requiring
  6. tough
  7. contesting
  8. needing
Adjective
  • For a long time, we’ve all been told that remastering the older Super Robot Wars games was extremely difficult, due to all the licensing and other costs involved.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the US and Israel.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • That is a demanding position to hold, and most organizations have built conditions that make holding it harder every year.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the 2024 Monterey Historic races, he was seen driving the 250 P aggressively around the demanding Laguna Seca track.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • Conscious reading means questioning every line, editing unapologetically and removing the fluff your customers don't have time to read.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Times of London published a similar analysis of Arday's thesis that same day, questioning whether Arday should have cited his sources more heavily.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • That number grew exponentially over the years as the swoosh became near omnipresent in State College, even daring to grace the famously plain football jerseys.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • John Oliver recently highlighted Buc-ee's controversial practice of suing small businesses over cartoon animal logos, even daring the company to sue his show.
    — Allen Adamson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • The Franklins lovingly brought structure and discipline, requiring kids to go to church and summer camps, volunteer, and participate in sports.
    — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Australia and even Mexico have pension systems requiring people to set aside a meaningful percentage of their earnings into an account that compounds for retirement.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • That left the debtor having to prove the negative that the debtor really didn't have any way to re-establish control over trust assets, and such was (and still is) a very tough sell.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Lombard also helped turn a double play in the second inning and handled another tough one-hopper hit by Cesar Prieto in the seventh.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • And similar figures to those contesting power after Stalin’s death will likely be the key players during the window between Putin’s departure from the political scene and the formal election to crown a new apex executive that follows.
    — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sharif’s government responded with a crackdown on Khan’s party, arresting its leaders and banning it from contesting the 2024 general election.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • Educators and teachers have griped for years about teens spending too much time on their phones and needing to curb cellphone use in classes during school days.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • One 2022 study found that more than half of the patients who traveled abroad for discount cosmetic surgery ended up needing further treatment at home, such as wound care, removal of surgical objects and surgery revisions.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of needing

Browse Nearby Words

challenges
challenging
chamber
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Cite this Entry

“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on challenging

Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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