1
as in challenged
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
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2
as in confronted
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dared
Their mother had dared their father to crash the car.
—
Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
And if Black passengers dared to pull the curtain aside, the dining car steward would hurriedly pull the curtain closed, or worse.
—Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
In a world of singular cinnamon rolls, this cluster of mini cinnamon rolls dared to be different.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
During a clip shown to fashion executive Kaylee at one bonfire, her gregarious fitness coach boyfriend Summit is dared in a game to kiss somebody in his villa.
—Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
But even at its most tender, Motown never dared to be as unabashedly sultry as the Ottavianos.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
Braves manager Walt Weiss essentially dared Thomson to open his bullpen by deploying Harris there.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Fallon even dared Coughlan to ask Dave Grohl — who is serving as musical guest with his band Foo Fighters — to be her best friend.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
No president since dared challenge Iran.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
And if Black passengers dared to pull the curtain aside, the dining car steward would hurriedly pull the curtain closed, or worse.
—Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
In a world of singular cinnamon rolls, this cluster of mini cinnamon rolls dared to be different.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
During a clip shown to fashion executive Kaylee at one bonfire, her gregarious fitness coach boyfriend Summit is dared in a game to kiss somebody in his villa.
—Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
But even at its most tender, Motown never dared to be as unabashedly sultry as the Ottavianos.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
Braves manager Walt Weiss essentially dared Thomson to open his bullpen by deploying Harris there.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Fallon even dared Coughlan to ask Dave Grohl — who is serving as musical guest with his band Foo Fighters — to be her best friend.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
No president since dared challenge Iran.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dared
Verb
-
Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
-
The approval was then challenged in court by three Maine residents who claimed that thousands of the signatures were invalid because of defects in the collection and certification process, among other procedural violations.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The lawsuit alleges the captain later confronted Steward and attempted to pressure him into taking the matter to human resources in an effort to influence the investigation.—
Ben Wheeler
May 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
-
Those leaders charged with deciding who is cut will be questioned, scrutinized and even confronted.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
However, Iran’s national team — which has faced heightened scrutiny leading up to this summer’s World Cup — recently learned it will not be based in the United States once the tournament begins.—
Chantz Martin OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
-
The Serbian president has faced international scrutiny for his hard-line tactics against the demonstrators in the last year, including arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force.—
Jovana Gec,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Families bundled up in hoodies and blankets to watch from the beach as surfers in several categories braved the cold water.—
Tony Le Calvez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
While the Guide Mobi braved the rain for a test delivery, the Swake tricycles can’t run in such conditions.—
TIm Stevens,
ArsTechnica,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dared.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dared. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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