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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of challenging
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
At 5’8 and a size 20/22, finding the right fit is challenging — especially in dresses.
—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Chris Evans,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
In three of the past four races, he was swept into a wreck without fault (Michigan), had a flat tire late while challenging for the win (San Diego) and suffered a mechanical failure last week at Sonoma.
—
Jess Bryant,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Brian Van Hook, regional director for the Florida International University School of Business Development Center, said the World Cup tourism has been good for many businesses — although others are still reeling from a challenging economy.
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Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
At 5’8 and a size 20/22, finding the right fit is challenging — especially in dresses.
—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Verb
Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Brazil's first non-native coach sparked controversy, challenging the nation's proud football heritage.
—
Chris Evans,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
In three of the past four races, he was swept into a wreck without fault (Michigan), had a flat tire late while challenging for the win (San Diego) and suffered a mechanical failure last week at Sonoma.
—
Jess Bryant,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
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Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
Adjective
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Building a paper airplane can be as demanding as building the airframe of a real aircraft.
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Once the evaluation process is complete, the company plans to scale production to thousands of units over the next three years, targeting manufacturers seeking to automate physically demanding and hazardous work.
Verb
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The video ends with the woman remaining at the scene until Broward Sheriff's Office deputies arrived and detained her for questioning.
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This can be especially true for LGBTQ+ youth looking for support, teens questioning their identity, or young people whose religious, political or social views differ from those of their parents.
Verb
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The year-old eastern imperial eagle from Serbia, started flying in August and later set off on his first migratory flight toward the Middle East, only to be captured by poachers, sold illegally and retrieved in a daring cross-border mission.
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This fast-paced, 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus, blending daring feats with playful mischief and Circus Bella’s signature sparkle with the Circus Bella All-Star Band’s live music.
Verb
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Those decisions on what to review next in the Second Amendment space come after the high court struck down on June 25 a Hawaii law requiring gun owners to get permission before bringing guns into stores or other private property open to the public.
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The findings suggest that requiring face mask use in public could help in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Adjective
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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Verb
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Abbott is contesting that verdict and the Missouri appeals court’s decision.
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The bicentennial occurred during an election year, with all the partisan denunciations that entails (though when Jimmy Carter narrowly beat Ford, no one thought of contesting the results).
Verb
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January 20 – February 18 Connections feel electric without needing to rush.
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Amiri came up next, needing to score to keep his team alive and simply buried it in the bottom right corner.
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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