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
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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
Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Variations in terrain, obstacles, or external disturbances can significantly impact performance, making real-world deployment challenging.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
The antitrust lawsuit challenging the Nexstar deal was filed in the Eastern District of California, alleging that the merger would harm local TV markets, including Sacramento and San Diego.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Put in the challenging circumstances, program participants are then asked to complete seven simple tasks within seven minutes.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Variations in terrain, obstacles, or external disturbances can significantly impact performance, making real-world deployment challenging.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin plans on challenging SpaceX not just in rockets, but also in the emerging race to build orbiting data centers.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
The antitrust lawsuit challenging the Nexstar deal was filed in the Eastern District of California, alleging that the merger would harm local TV markets, including Sacramento and San Diego.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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The most difficult piece of the puzzle?—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Mar. 2026
-
But studying those relationships is difficult, due to the challenges in actually observing social interactions in the shark world.—
BRADY DENNIS THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Another former worker, Tomás Francisco, noted the job often required long hours in physically demanding positions.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Perhaps the campaign trail is too demanding?—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Investors have been questioning whether artificial intelligence competitors and automation tools could erode demand for traditional software licenses and workflows.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2026
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But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The inscription would have sent enemies quite an impression as it was burned into the stone with molten lead, as if daring the attackers to continue their useless advance, Live Science continues.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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The 2026 Oscars were full of ups and downs, of winners and losers, gorgeous gowns and daring fashions.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Democrats have demanded more sweeping DHS reform, such as requiring all ICE officers to wear body cameras and judicial warrants for immigration operations.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
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Researchers say such moons could maintain surface temperatures high enough for liquid water without requiring energy from a nearby star, although detecting and analysing such atmospheres remains challenging.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Middle linebacker is one of the toughest positions to play in today’s game, but Smith has the mental makeup to run the front of this defense.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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The Senate map will likely get tougher for Democrats in future elections.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Paxton’s office is contesting the district’s boundaries and wants the land tied to The Meadow development removed.—
Nick Wooten,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
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Rubio, a data analyst, still has a separate habeas corpus case contesting his detainment, meaning he won’t be immediately deported.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Signs that may suggest swallowing difficulty include coughing or throat clearing during meals, needing extra time to chew food, or avoiding certain textures — especially dry or sticky foods.—
Sundeep Venkatesan,
The Conversation,
23 Mar. 2026
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Adding census questions to their routines will just be one of several elements like the weather, traffic and the amount of letters or packages needing delivery that postal carriers calculate into their workloads each day, Renfroe said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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