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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Through pickleball, Dean discovered a new family — one that offered love, support and joy during the last and most challenging chapter of his life. — Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Many owners view these ads as an intrusion into their personal space, especially after paying a premium for a luxury vehicle in a challenging new-car market. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lawsuits have been filed arguing this level of surveillance violates drivers' Fourth Amendment rights in Virginia and California and challenging the deployment of this technology in New York, South Carolina and West Virginia. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Of the two members of a battery, catchers are overwhelmingly responsible for challenging pitch calls. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 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
  • Establishing that sense of familiarity requires time spent playing and training together, something made more difficult by a constant carousel of new signings.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Nugraha said difficult terrain has complicated efforts, with some hotspots located on steep volcanic slopes that are difficult to reach by land.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • By automating repetitive, physically demanding and highly variable tasks, intelligent robotics allows experienced people to focus on the work where their judgment and expertise create the greatest value.
    — Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • However, rather than viewing the demanding conditions as a disadvantage, Simmons believes the heat can become an advantage for the Panthers.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 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
  • That grief may be tied to major losses, such as no longer being able to travel or work, as well as quieter daily changes like needing more sleep or being unable to walk as far as before.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ricky Pearsall is done for the season after swelling in his right knee led to needing surgery to reconstruct his PCL.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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