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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Through pickleball, Dean discovered a new family — one that offered love, support and joy during the last and most challenging chapter of his life. — Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Many owners view these ads as an intrusion into their personal space, especially after paying a premium for a luxury vehicle in a challenging new-car market. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lawsuits have been filed arguing this level of surveillance violates drivers' Fourth Amendment rights in Virginia and California and challenging the deployment of this technology in New York, South Carolina and West Virginia. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Of the two members of a battery, catchers are overwhelmingly responsible for challenging pitch calls. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 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
  • Establishing that sense of familiarity requires time spent playing and training together, something made more difficult by a constant carousel of new signings.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Nugraha said difficult terrain has complicated efforts, with some hotspots located on steep volcanic slopes that are difficult to reach by land.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • By automating repetitive, physically demanding and highly variable tasks, intelligent robotics allows experienced people to focus on the work where their judgment and expertise create the greatest value.
    — Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • However, rather than viewing the demanding conditions as a disadvantage, Simmons believes the heat can become an advantage for the Panthers.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • That includes checking a student's phone records and social media posts, going door to door at the student's dorm and questioning school staff and emergency contacts.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This astonishing gap left competitive automakers and Internet armchair critics questioning whether the Mustang GTD Competition was on street-legal rubber.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • That number grew exponentially over the years as the swoosh became near omnipresent in State College, even daring to grace the famously plain football jerseys.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • John Oliver recently highlighted Buc-ee's controversial practice of suing small businesses over cartoon animal logos, even daring the company to sue his show.
    — Allen Adamson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • States however, have stepped in to regulate what banks do with that interest, with several states requiring that a portion of the interest generated from mortgage escrow accounts be returned to the homeowner paying into the account.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The park was scheduled to open last year, but was delayed when winter rains caused two major landslides along its cliffs, requiring significant shoring up to keep an emergency access route open.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • Coventry, for example, face Manchester City away in Gameweek Three, while some of the teams worth targeting early like Manchester United, Chelsea and Sunderland have tougher fixtures in Gameweeks Three or Four.
    — Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This summer has seen a confluence of challenges, including excessive heat that allows food contamination to grow and a pathogen that’s particularly tough to pin down.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • And similar figures to those contesting power after Stalin’s death will likely be the key players during the window between Putin’s departure from the political scene and the formal election to crown a new apex executive that follows.
    — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sharif’s government responded with a crackdown on Khan’s party, arresting its leaders and banning it from contesting the 2024 general election.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • That grief may be tied to major losses, such as no longer being able to travel or work, as well as quieter daily changes like needing more sleep or being unable to walk as far as before.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ricky Pearsall is done for the season after swelling in his right knee led to needing surgery to reconstruct his PCL.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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