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 winter time is the most challenging as the air is cold and dry due to the weather and our heating systems. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 While recycling is a mathematically obvious response to the finite, non-renewable nature of many resources, the economic math is often challenging. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Verb
Opponents can attempt to block ballot measure certification on a variety of grounds, such as challenging the Attorney General’s summary or the constitutionality of the proposal. — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026 Suits challenging the seizure of property for transmission lines on the grounds of public use have mixed results. — Aaron Walayat, Fortune, 19 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
  • For a long time, we’ve all been told that remastering the older Super Robot Wars games was extremely difficult, due to all the licensing and other costs involved.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the US and Israel.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • That is a demanding position to hold, and most organizations have built conditions that make holding it harder every year.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At the 2024 Monterey Historic races, he was seen driving the 250 P aggressively around the demanding Laguna Seca track.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • An appeal, on the other hand, can only consider evidence that’s already in the record and is typically filed when a defendant is questioning a judge’s decision.
    — Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • Al-Ahli released an atypical official statement questioning the officiating of one game in April.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • Purja and his team also carried out a number of daring rescues, often putting their own lives in danger.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Among the movie’s daring inspirations is the ample screen time given to movie-watching, whether by Kris alone or by her and Billy together.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • The Georgia Department of Transportation has planned back-to-back closures this weekend and next on different sections of the busy Atlanta interstate, requiring detours and causing significant delays.
    — Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • In January, the bank asked the judge to throw out Arbuckle’s claims, arguing that evidence exchanged by both sides showed no key factual disputes requiring a jury to resolve.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Murphy hired a lawyer and is suing Paradigm Peptides, which Kawa is contesting.
    — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • The four semifinalists secure automatic berths, with the losing quarterfinalists immediately contesting a playoff bracket.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • And both will fit in your pocket without needing a belt to keep your pants up.
    — Joe Salas July 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • Permanent advance voters, military and overseas voters and their spouses and dependents and those who have signed a declaration of religious objection form are exempt from needing photo ID in Kansas.
    — Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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