1
2
as in confronts
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 dares
And each dares to honor the humanity in characters often reduced to predators and prey by one faction, shrill social justice warriors and brave free thinkers by another.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Is anything more engaging than a good murder mystery—one that dares you to guess who did it, and why?
—Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The Sith, led by Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine) and Darth Vader, sit at the top of the food chain, but Maul still dares to build a criminal empire in the shadows.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Two generational voices of reggaeton teamed up and left us with a chorus that dares to overshadow everything in a packed stadium.
—Yifan Wu, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
None of us dares skip the reading, and nobody bails on the meeting.
—Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Any film that dares to cover the life of a spiritual leader will likely run right into a high level of skepticism, scrutiny, derision and, yes, even some old-fashioned acceptance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There's such a touching moment that Zhao essentially dares you not to cry.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Judy Berman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Is anything more engaging than a good murder mystery—one that dares you to guess who did it, and why?
—Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The Sith, led by Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine) and Darth Vader, sit at the top of the food chain, but Maul still dares to build a criminal empire in the shadows.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Two generational voices of reggaeton teamed up and left us with a chorus that dares to overshadow everything in a packed stadium.
—Yifan Wu, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
None of us dares skip the reading, and nobody bails on the meeting.
—Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Any film that dares to cover the life of a spiritual leader will likely run right into a high level of skepticism, scrutiny, derision and, yes, even some old-fashioned acceptance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There's such a touching moment that Zhao essentially dares you not to cry.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
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Redirecting food from corporate supply chains to food banks challenges the outdated image many people still have of hunger relief.—
Patty Oconnor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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The 1995 film version of this exchange between Charlotte and Lizzy, in which the former is portrayed cooly by the unflappable Lucy Scott, challenges the audience’s ability to empathize with Charlotte’s pragmatism, and seems to encourage us to side with Elizabeth’s dismay.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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China aims to expand its strategic oil reserves, according to its latest five-year plan, as Beijing confronts volatility from the Middle East conflict.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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During a week-long recuperation, the family confronts the excruciating moral dilemmas triggered by the crash.—
Ashlee Conour,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mays faces 11 charges, including pimping, possession of automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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City officials say the effort is necessary as Davis faces structural financial challenges.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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