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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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
These roles are more challenging physically, forcing Buzelis to guard a wider swath of the court. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 The auto industry — from the companies to their customers — has been surprisingly resilient this decade, but there are fears that rising costs, weaker vehicle pricing and a more challenging market could threaten profits and growth going forward. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
Balance Hope With Realism Balancing a message of hope with realism can prove to be challenging but represents the right way to approach these situations. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 This time is for a new chapter and challenging something new. — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 6 Nov. 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
  • The pilot must compensate manually using the controller, which can be difficult if the aircraft is far away or difficult to see.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The chocolatey all-suede style was first released in October 2023 and has become increasingly difficult to track down over the years, with certain sizes commanding premium prices on the secondary market.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The operator brings the experience while the machine takes on the physically demanding work.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • For these more demanding tasks, the K70 offers a full-coverage cleaning mode that tackles floors, walls, waterlines and slopes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • And every fashion enthusiast knows that’s the true sign of a good purchase—questioning yourself the entire time, but proceeding as if the world is your runway.
    — Tyler Watamanuk, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Since then, reports have revealed the FBI is questioning Meghan about the allegations.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Still, the format typically only offers action films, banking on fans wanting to experience the swerves and jumps from battles, high-impact car chases, or daring stunts.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2026
  • From Lisa Rinna’s transformation into Kylie Jenner, to Chloe Bailey nodding to Family Guy by dressing up as Hot Meg Griffin, many stars opted for daring looks that were all treats and no tricks.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • In the past year, at least eight ICE detention facilities across the country have been subject to court orders requiring changes to unconstitutional conditions.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • That puts considerable performance into a relatively compact package, without requiring riders to move up to a larger motorcycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • The Heat now returns home, but the competition is about to get tougher.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Councilwoman Willis has been a tough negotiator, challenging us to work with the City of Dallas transportation department to identify and fund meaningful traffic enhancements.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Republicans would also have to navigate a tricky path to contesting Peltola’s election with few other modern precedents.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Candidates who expect to win don’t start talking about contesting the results before the votes are counted.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • These will include a next generation of landers the agency anticipates needing once humans have started to return to the moon regularly.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The mayor said city officials have faced a tough choice in recent years between contributing to reserves and needing to make even deeper budget cuts, or leaving the reserves alone and making softer cuts.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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