1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Managing the supply chain for the 400 components required to build the Chilipad was challenging, Robinson said.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
The fire scene was challenging in part because of a limited water supply, as there were no nearby fire hydrants.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
The goal is to improve accountability and response times across the borough, which has historically been one of the city's most challenging areas for law enforcement.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Managing the supply chain for the 400 components required to build the Chilipad was challenging, Robinson said.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Verb
In April, five pay-TV and streaming services subscribers filed a lawsuit challenging the merger, claiming, among other things, that the acquisition would increase prices and diminish the diversity of viewpoints.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
The fire scene was challenging in part because of a limited water supply, as there were no nearby fire hydrants.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
JSerra navigated a difficult regular-season schedule, then avoided upsets in the playoffs.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
But the strength of his acidic, strong, difficult performance was too powerful for the Tonys to deny.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
In a July interview, Bell said sake is brewed like beer, not distilled like spirits, noting the process is more demanding and delicate -- and to make the best sake, top-notch ingredients are required.—
John Magsam,
Arkansas Online,
2 June 2026
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Granted, at nearly three hours in length, the film is also incredibly demanding — especially its initial half, which, by its nature, becomes a recursive cycle of directionless youth that Rimbaud struggles to break.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But now parents – and one county commissioner – are questioning the role technology plays in learning.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
-
Reyes was taken into custody by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and turned over to the FBI for questioning, according to the documents.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The Skims founder opted for a daring sheer black lace corset tank top paired with light-wash jeans with horsebit buckle details on the hips for the outing.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
-
Nonetheless, Madonna pulled off the daring move while serenading a growing dance party below, eventually pulling her leg back over the barrier and moving to the center of the stage to finish out the song.—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
Verb
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To become a licensed drone pilot within the department, officers must apply, interview, and pass an FAA exam — requiring knowledge of nautical and weather chart reading.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
California and other states enacted similar laws in 2023 requiring heavy metal testing and disclosure for baby food, but, at that time, formula was not included.—
Rachel Fobar,
Daily News,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
More recent air quality news Major automakers are urging the EPA to delay tougher vehicle pollution standards for two years.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
In a tough economy for local breweries, Clairvoyant has found a way to keep its heart beating.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The need to find a new venue stemmed from Fox contesting Amazon’s right to stream a game that’s played in New York and involves a Big 10 team, because Fox’s contract with the Big 10 gives it broadcast rights to such games.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
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Koltun filed a request with a federal judge in Texas contesting the demand.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The villa layout works great for families needing space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
After needing five pitchers in a rout over Texas State earlier in the day just to reach the regional final out of the losers’ bracket, USC coach Andy Stankiewicz rode Johnson on Sunday night.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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