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
The project’s lengthy construction timeline and challenging terrain could push costs higher, while slowing demand could leave buyers locked into take-or-pay contracts lasting 20 years or more, Yoo said. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 This El Niño, which is forecast to peak this fall and winter, comes at an already challenging time for food prices, given supply chain pressures from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Black Sea. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
The silences formed in the absence of sharing are challenging to capture on the page but when done effectively, readers can become enmeshed in such moments, co-conspirators of the secret. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 Verity holds a challenging 39 percent Rotten Tomatoes score from reviewers. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 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
  • Finding people at high risk of incubating the Bundibugyo virus, also known as contact tracing, has proved difficult in Congo.
    — CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • McKinsey’s data says some of those moves can be difficult for certain workers.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The conductors who oversee the recording of the movie scores are portrayed as hyper-demanding corporate perfectionists.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Quantum computers could eventually solve very demanding computational problems much faster than regular computers.
    — Sophya Garashchuk, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • In her rebuttal, prosecutor Shanan Buckingham said that this is the first time the court is hearing that Reddington is questioning the evidence.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Designers revisited the skirt, the jacket, the cargo, the biker jacket; questioning their traditional codes and exploring how they can be worn today.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • And his film, at once proudly unlikable and meticulously realized, is both a daring display of craft and a rude sign of life—which is to say, the opposite of depressing.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory will soon have to cease its science observations after a daring rescue mission’s attempt to boost its orbit failed over the summer.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • Maybe that’s because these challenging and seemingly intractable problems are usually treated as separate crises requiring separate solutions.
    — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Fortunately, Proposition 39’s crafters left mail ballots pretty much alone, except for requiring a nuisance PIN on the ballot envelope.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • With phones, keys, multi-tools, flashlights, water bottles and charging cables, the modern trouser and jacket pocket has a tough job coping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Ten other candidates are also contesting the presidency, representing parties from across Brazil’s political spectrum.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Ownership is not in bankruptcy, is contesting the foreclosure in court, has offered the lender any and every constructive solution, but will not allow these tenants to be further used as pawns.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • The 0-3 Chargers visit Seattle on Sunday needing a turnaround; only seven teams in the Super Bowl era have started 0-3 and still reached the playoffs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Future uses for the approach include any number of stronger, lighter structures and materials needing protection from vibration and shaking.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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