1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Alice Xiang, Time, 6 May 2026
Although there were plenty of milestones to celebrate, the path was long and challenging for the new parents.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
If so, what has been the most challenging aspect?
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Verb
In parallel, a wave of litigation under privacy laws like Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is challenging the unauthorized use of our most personal data—our faces and voices.
—Alice Xiang, Time, 6 May 2026
Although there were plenty of milestones to celebrate, the path was long and challenging for the new parents.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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Combining all of this in one material has been difficult because thermal control and signal control rely on very different properties.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
-
Despite the removal of material, the architecture can result in a busy design and potentially make reading the time difficult.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Reliable Service as an Operational Standard Clients in Dallas-Fort Worth should expect something more demanding than friendliness and something less theatrical than branding.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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The dual-motor setup targets higher output and improved traction for more demanding driving conditions.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The aggressive political gains DeSantis and Republicans seek also have some in the party questioning whether the new map would put GOP incumbents at risk of losing future elections.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the apology, Camp Mystic’s plans to reopen in late May with nearly 900 girls have angered victims’ families, and state officials are questioning whether the license should be renewed.—
Jim Vertuno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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According to the New York Times, Saturday's daring rescue mission was the 5th staged attempt to shuttle Timmy back into deeper water.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
2 May 2026
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But, more than any of her daring work in lesser movies, the question begs, for what?—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
This approach enables the development of catalysts that achieve higher efficiency while requiring smaller amounts of precious metals, improving both performance and material economy.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
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But by December, as the holidays approached, the Clarks welcomed shoppers who, despite the rules requiring masks, gloves, social distancing and a plexiglass cover at the register up front, happily chose food and gifts to bring home.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Chase Meidroth made a shuffle toss to second base for a force out, but the Sox couldn’t complete what would have been a tough double play.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Our legislators must make some tough decisions; avoiding the issues is not acceptable.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Democrats were not calling for contesting War Powers Resolution and what the executive power was there.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
-
So your rotations aren’t just about contesting 3s.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Many reviewers, including petite shoppers, note that the pants hit at just the right length without needing alterations, and the inseam works well with both flats and heels.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
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The one-day trial showed that a laser system can be set up quickly without needing complicated work in a shipyard.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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