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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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
These challenging conditions are precisely what make a summer off-road safari such a distinctive way to experience Iceland’s rugged interior. — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 In the last decade, Ofcom has permitted greater flexibility in the interpretation of its rules, allowing broadcasters to provide more partisan coverage through presenters and guests, with fewer challenging voices. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
This unfettered access — which can be challenging to find among human gurus — is what’s drawing more people to AI for spiritual guidance. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 That’s because these aerial acrobats are challenging to catch and observe in the first place. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 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
  • The losses linked to the demise of these groups are difficult to quantify, but participants and advocates say the impacts will reverberate across federal agencies for years.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ground surveys can provide more detailed information at a particular site, but covering an entire subway corridor that way would be difficult.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Leaders may not need to tax themselves heavily to gain some cognitive benefit during an already demanding period.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • That makes both the X-ray measurement itself and the interpretation of its data increasingly demanding.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • The regulator is also investigating the poor performance of recent initial public offerings, according to people familiar with the matter, and questioning the advice given by investment banks to companies selling stock, Semafor reported this month.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The trailer shows footage of Paul questioning Mortensen about a lip tattoo of her initials, which was detailed in her filing.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons told Gossard and Ament about a guy living in San Diego named Eddie Vedder, who had recently made an impression on Irons and his friends, Flea among them, with his daring antics on a camping trip.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Kimmel also just launched an unconventional — if not daring — Emmy campaign of his own.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.
    — Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Measuring waist circumference has the advantage of not requiring specialized equipment, so patients can keep track at home.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.
    — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Reflecting this sentiment, the number of independents contesting House and Senate races shot up to 217 this year (about 80 more than in 2024).
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Abrams said the broad outlines of a war with Iran, including it contesting the Strait of Hormuz, were well understood in national security circles before the fighting began.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • When exposed to warmth, this shape-memory alloy contracts sharply, converting thermal energy directly into a powerful mechanical pulling force without needing an electric motor.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The organization has six locations throughout Indiana, with 179 people total still needing shelter.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 31 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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