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
Renée Onque, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
While the conversation ended there, the moment highlighted Doja Cat’s willingness to stand firm in her artistry, challenging detractors to truly engage with her work before dismissing her place in Hip-Hop.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Typically, people lean into escapism to avoid following through on obligations like cleaning the house or completing a project, or having challenging conversations.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
While the conversation ended there, the moment highlighted Doja Cat’s willingness to stand firm in her artistry, challenging detractors to truly engage with her work before dismissing her place in Hip-Hop.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
Khan Suri’s legal team is challenging his detention in court, and on Thursday, a federal judge ruled he cannot be removed from the country while his petition is pending.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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This deep understanding of local transportation patterns would have been difficult with rapid multi-city expansion.—
Tima Bansal,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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No calendar issue generates more frustration, or is more difficult to solve, than the transfer portal.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Baldwin has done it while playing the most difficult and demanding position on the diamond, mentally in terms of daily meetings and film study, and physically from the toll of working beneath pads in the summer heat and getting nicked up from foul tips, collisions and occasional wayward swings.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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This has come as a result of America being too demanding and being very political.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.—
Acacia Gabriel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The witness said Metcalf touched Anthony, who allegedly responded by daring Metcalf to punch him.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Living your bucket list A recent study showed nine out of 10 participants have made a bucket list, many of which include daring feats, like skydiving.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In Florida, Our Children’s Trust brought its latest case because there still are provisions in the law requiring state agencies to prioritize renewable energy, Rodgers said.—
Amy Green,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
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California's Regulatory Actions California revised its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, now requiring that 60% of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030, as a step towards its 2045 goal of 100% clean energy.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Even if increasing competition and financial obstruction have influenced summer recruitment, making this season’s challenges tougher, the confidence in Unai Emery and Villa’s football department remains unerring.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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Sanctions have roiled Russia's economy and Trump could use tougher measures as leverage over Putin, said Richard Portes, professor of economics at London Business School.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In February, disputing rumors of a cancellation late last year, HBO confirmed alongside a first-look image that production for season 3 of Euphoria would begin in early 2025 with the same main cast members set to return.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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This can be helpful for disputing charges and clearing your record.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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