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
Prenga, boasting a 20-1 record with 20 KOs, offers one-punch power despite a less challenging opponent history. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 And then when the material for Bleed American came together, the challenging, rewarding thing for me was what if those restrictions were a whole lot more narrow? — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Verb
Opponents can attempt to block ballot measure certification on a variety of grounds, such as challenging the Attorney General’s summary or the constitutionality of the proposal. — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 Suits challenging the seizure of property for transmission lines on the grounds of public use have mixed results. — Aaron Walayat, Fortune, 19 July 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
  • Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The company positions it as a daily-use model rather than one reserved only for the most demanding workloads.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • Valdebebas sources describe Mourinho as demanding but approachable — someone who pushes players hard while remaining involved in every detail of training.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • Granger chastised Abernethy in a series of emails, then took her concerns to Oberhelman, questioning his decision to assign her operations duties for the entire program in addition to her job coaching the divers.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
  • As details of the deal emerged Wednesday, opposition on Capitol Hill and elsewhere began to snowball, with Republicans and Democrats both questioning the wisdom of the agreement.
    — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Hermetically sealed tableaux of haughty models daring you to look away from their perfection.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft returned spectacular images of a near-Earth asteroid following a super-close flyby on July 5, but heated debate was needed before teams signed off on the daring attempt.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • The Georgia Department of Transportation has planned back-to-back closures this weekend and next on different sections of the busy Atlanta interstate, requiring detours and causing significant delays.
    — Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • In January, the bank asked the judge to throw out Arbuckle’s claims, arguing that evidence exchanged by both sides showed no key factual disputes requiring a jury to resolve.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • There were tough conversations between Naylor and Cleveland’s coaches and front office.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Villegas, after a tough primary election battle against Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, has roughly $572,000.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Scott Peterson's attorney appeals Scott's automatic appeal was submitted to the California Supreme Court on July 5, accompanied by a 423-page brief document from Scott's attorney, contesting the trial had been unfair.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • The city of Syracuse and county of Onondaga are contesting Broadwater’s claims.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 14 July 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • And both will fit in your pocket without needing a belt to keep your pants up.
    — Joe Salas July 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • Permanent advance voters, military and overseas voters and their spouses and dependents and those who have signed a declaration of religious objection form are exempt from needing photo ID in Kansas.
    — Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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