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
Stopping the spread of measles in undervaccinated communities will depend on the challenging task of building vaccine confidence among parents of young children. — Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 But the Canucks need to maintain a baseline level of competitive and structural integrity, even in the midst of what’s likely to be a challenging campaign. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
Saildrone has operated unmanned vessels for maritime missions since 2013, giving the company more than a decade of experience with autonomous operations in challenging environments. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 China's dominant and highly concentrated supply chain makes replacing components challenging for US manufacturers. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 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 California Board of Pharmacy in 2025 reversed course on regulations that would have made the supplement more difficult to acquire after pushback from some firefighters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Striking out on her own was a difficult transition, but embracing her solitude gave her the space to learn more about herself and make her own personal decisions, such as getting her cat or making meals of her choosing.
    — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • These quick tests reveal fine detail, dimensional accuracy, and whether the printer is over- or under-exposed, providing a consistent baseline before evaluating more demanding real-world prints.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The squad underwent intensive work in Portugal, where players generally had one long, demanding morning session, before being given time to recover, often with yoga and massages.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 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
  • For now, Neda, a 34-year-old Tehran resident struggling with kidney disease and needing medication, is holding her breath as she is once again forced to buy only half of her monthly dose.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Choose one expressive outlet, polish one detail, and let joy strengthen your confidence without needing outside approval first.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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