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
Other recent studies show just how challenging this process could truly be. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 It’ll be challenging, but if TCU can hold West Virginia to around 150 rushing yards, then there’s a good chance the Horned Frogs will pick up a win. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
Chinese medical equipment makers are increasingly challenging US, European, and Japanese competitors in hospitals around the world, extending Beijing’s technological prowess to yet another industry. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026 This growing interest in more expressive finishes is also challenging chemical specialists and technology providers to develop efficient, sustainable processes that can achieve these looks. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 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
  • Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • And as routine tasks are automated, workers could lose opportunities to develop the experience needed for more demanding work.
    — Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • People can appreciate the convenience of social media while questioning its effects on children.
    — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Fierros, who is believed to be armed, is wanted for questioning, the sheriff's office said.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Slotkin released a video and a statement responding to the president following his remarks, daring the administration to come after her.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Emily Ratajkowski has been keeping busy in Los Angeles, mixing daring mirror selfies with a little romance.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • Using dedicated unmanned refueling aircraft could also free more Super Hornets for combat missions instead of requiring them to carry additional fuel for other aircraft.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Fault currents, which can fry components and cause dangerous arc flashes, are one challenge, requiring new protection measures and solid-state circuit breakers.
    — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.
    — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Thermal equilibrium might sound like a tough concept, but hundreds of systems reach them around us on a daily basis.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Boyles responded that the groups were contesting the decisions based on the law, and not asking the panel to substitute its own views about wolves for those of the federal government.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Seid paid all fines and tickets without contesting them, Axios reported.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • Ideally, patients in the future may be able to undergo surgery and receive the vaccine and Keytruda without needing further melanoma treatment, Postow told CNBC.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The battery is rated to last up to one year before needing replacement.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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