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
Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The hosts showed an aggressive intent to set a challenging target with Shanto leading from the front.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Health Secretary Wes Streeting became the first senior minister to quit Starmer ’s Cabinet on Thursday in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Disarmament is among the most challenging elements of the ceasefire.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The hosts showed an aggressive intent to set a challenging target with Shanto leading from the front.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
Health Secretary Wes Streeting became the first senior minister to quit Starmer’s Cabinet on Thursday in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Health Secretary Wes Streeting became the first senior minister to quit Starmer ’s Cabinet on Thursday in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
When Thomson went through a difficult divorce, in 2014, Djena would often check in on her, showing up at her door with food.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Crow-Armstrong had just failed to make a highly difficult, leaping catch at the wall.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Inspired by their connection, Étienne contemplates exchanging his lonely existence for one filled with romance, but with a demanding route to cover, starring in a great love story may not be in the cards for the hard-working road warrior.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
12 May 2026
-
Paro International Airport in Bhutan is one of the world’s most technically demanding, with only about 50 certified pilots navigating its mountainous approach.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
At a recent town hall, that concern was raised directly, The Phoenix reported, with some alumni and community members questioning whether removing Trotter’s name constitutes revisionism.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
-
She was criticized publicly by some colleagues as well anonymous government officials who were quoted in Israeli and international media questioning her motives.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Riley Keough wore a strapless black gown anchored by an oversized sculptural skirt and daring high slit.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
And Horizon established its physics language long ago, and isn’t daring to upset what has worked before.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Cassidy also complained that a new primary system enacted last year confused voters by requiring them to ask for a partisan ballot instead of the all-party primary previously in place.—
Thomas Beaumont,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
-
Klarna has since shifted to a hybrid model, where AI handles routine inquiries, and people focus on situations requiring judgment and empathy.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Each of those teams will be competing for playoff spots again, leaving the Raiders with no easy divisional wins and a tough out-of-division schedule.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
The group did just enough against Sale and a tough Braves bullpen to avoid getting shut out for the third time in five games.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Democrats were not calling for contesting War Powers Resolution and what the executive power was there.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
-
So your rotations aren’t just about contesting 3s.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The day after that loss, per team sources, Brunson approached the team before practice about needing to re-shift the collective mindset.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Galeno is licensed to keep Drago the alligator until the reptile is ready and maybe too big, needing relocation to a proper environment for alligators of his size.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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