dares

present tense third-person singular of dare
1
as in challenges
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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dares 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 It was launched into a highly radioactive patch of low-Earth orbit where almost nothing else dares to fly. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026 It’s described that a powerful and surprisingly funny story about an unlikely community that dares to take on one of the largest institutions in the nation. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2026 Interest groups have capitalized on those fears, savaging any politician who dares to touch senior benefits or taxes. Jessica Riedl, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 More than a century later, the Chicago World's Fair remains one of the most remarkable chapters in this city's history and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a city dares to dream big. Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 27 June 2026 Then comes Erling Haaland, a high-speed human bulldozer, striking the fear of God into any defender or goalkeeper who dares stand in his way. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 19 May 2026 Only a steroid-addled rival, Pavel, dares to question Jim’s position. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
  • New data from Ladders challenges the belief that six-figure salaries demand crushing stress.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • More determined than ever, Elsa challenges patriarchal structures and carves out a path for her independent motherhood.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Relationship dynamics get squirrely when the Pisces moon confronts Uranus.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 31 July 2026
  • Thor confronts Doom but the villain catches his magical hammer and throws it aside easily.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • But this notion that AI data centers are quickly popping up everywhere is belied by the fact that their construction faces massive hurdles – regardless of whether anyone wants them in their backyard or not.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Michael Ketcherside also faces a charge of promotion of prostitution.
    Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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