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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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
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
The track record on polling is more challenging as different pollsters asking different varieties of the population can often draw higher margins for error.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Jim Pursley, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Erik Olsen, Republican Olsen is a Madison Republican challenging Pocan in the safely Democratic district for the second consecutive cycle.
—Journal Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for challenging 
Adjective
Adams couldn't talk about the competition in detail but said being on the show was fun and one of the most challenging competitions she's ever participated in.
—Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
The track record on polling is more challenging as different pollsters asking different varieties of the population can often draw higher margins for error.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Supply chains are challenging to navigate.
—Jim Pursley, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Erik Olsen, Republican Olsen is a Madison Republican challenging Pocan in the safely Democratic district for the second consecutive cycle.
—Journal Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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The melodic lines, particularly for brass, are very difficult to navigate.Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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Trump’s reelection augurs two trends in U.S. foreign policy that will be difficult to reverse.Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The dedicated graphics card is capable of 1080p gaming at medium settings just as long as the title isn’t too demanding and will help with any graphic design tasks.Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
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Every iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM, yet that’s cutting it close for the most demanding titles and can lead to crashes.Craig Grannell, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Hegseth has leaned into culture war issues, suggesting that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff should be fired for his embrace of diversity and inclusion programs, and questioning whether women should serve in combat roles.nbcnews.com, nbcnews.com, 13 Nov. 2024
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Republicans have criticized it, questioning CMS’ authority to make the extra payments and calling them a political ploy in an election year.Susan Jaffe | KFF Health News, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
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According to the data, 41% of senior leaders feel guilty for even daring to take a break, compared to 35% of individual contributors.Soulaima Gourani, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
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Phillips and his co-writer Scott Silver have tried to do something daring here, by delivering a somber movie that in no way tries to top its predecessor.Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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These genetic differences are often linked to time, with more variation requiring more time to evolve.Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024
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Until now, this joining method has been passive, requiring force for engagement.Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The Buffs need to find a way to grind out tough yards on the ground, especially late.Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
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Bosa confirmed Wednesday that playing through a hip injury last game was the toughest pain he’s endured in 5 1/2 seasons.Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Yet a Brown University study found that students who took courses from professors with more rigorous grading standards learned more.Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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And the Bruins played a rigorous out-of-state schedule to prepare for another run.Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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In reality, not much research exists disputing or supporting the claim, which is a cause for concern in and of itself.Devika Rao, theweek, 1 Oct. 2024
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This is better, though, there’s no disputing that.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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