Synonyms of dare

dare

verb

ˈder 

1

as in to challenge

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat

I dare you to repeat that to my face!

he dared his friend to race to the end of the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenge
• confront
• defy
• brave
• stump
• brazen
• breast
• beard
• face
• outface
• outbrave

2

as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage

every day the old fisherman dared the elements to make his meager living

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confront
• face
• brave
• defy
• withstand
• stand up to
• resist
• encounter
• breast
• beard
• brazen
• outface
• meet
• fight
• outbrave
• challenge
• stand
• front
• face up (to)
• approach
• oppose
• affront
• accost
• repel
• contend (with)
• battle
• combat
• corner
• square (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• shirk
• sidestep
• shun
• dodge
• eschew
• duck
• shake
• escape
• evade
• elude
• funk

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dare

In their experiment, the scientists didn’t dare go that far, of course. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Around the novel’s halfway point, one of Harper’s characters dares to change, or try changing, his relationship to the Beast. — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

Following the daring rescue, the rescuers are being praised for their heroism. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Warner woofed at Purdy early in practice, essentially daring him to throw at him in coverage. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026