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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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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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
It’s intended for use on battlefields and other challenging environments. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 In March, pioneering Chicago craft breweries Half Acre and Maplewood merged under one corporate umbrella, maintaining separate brands while sharing brewing facilities to better navigate a challenging craft beer industry. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Verb
Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Brazil's first non-native coach sparked controversy, challenging the nation's proud football heritage. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 In three of the past four races, he was swept into a wreck without fault (Michigan), had a flat tire late while challenging for the win (San Diego) and suffered a mechanical failure last week at Sonoma. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 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
  • Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Building a paper airplane can be as demanding as building the airframe of a real aircraft.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
  • Once the evaluation process is complete, the company plans to scale production to thousands of units over the next three years, targeting manufacturers seeking to automate physically demanding and hazardous work.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • Blurring the boundaries between reality and delusion, psychological horror explores the mind in all its complexity, often leaving audiences questioning their own perceptions.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • As the collection makes clear, Aviv prefers restless questioning to closure or complacency.
    — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • In a daring high-wire act high above the East River, fearless NYPD cops spent nearly an hour on a span of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge talking down a woman desperately threatening to jump.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • Washington is alone in legally requiring such proactive outreach to the news media, the Federation of State Medical Boards says.
    — Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 8 July 2026
  • Personal wealth may also grow outside of the business, requiring coordination between business and personal planning.
    — Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • The talks are meant to focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Patrick Cantlay made a little noise in an otherwise quiet year for the American with five birdies in 10 holes and then a collection of tough par saves at the end that felt just as valuable.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Three men who were in the vehicle alongside Lorenzo Salgado Araujo are contesting the Department of Homeland Security’s account of the fatal shooting.
    — Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 10 July 2026
  • Abbott is contesting that verdict and the Missouri appeals court’s decision.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • Albin heads into his second season needing to put wins on the board in 2026.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Marko Arnautovic’s early goal already seemed to throw a spanner in the works with both teams needing a draw to progress.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on challenging

Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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