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 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 When the warm weather calls for a sandal, the only pair my mom dares to reach for are her Keen wedge sandals. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
  • The study challenges the idea that understanding art requires specialist knowledge, arguing that personal responses, emotions, and individual experiences can be just as important as knowing an artist’s biography or historical context.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
  • Beyond her business mindset, Sukihana’s approach to self-expression also challenges traditional expectations of what success can look like for women.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Approving extra war funding will be difficult, even among Republicans supporting the Iran effort, as the nation confronts staggering annual deficits reaching nearly $2 trillion this year.
    Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Charlotte is having drinks at the hotel bar with a couple of colleagues when Sugar confronts her.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Garcia faces a maximum sentence of 181 years to life in prison.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Two Boston city councilors are pushing for a change in city law that would require Mayor Michelle Wu to report street projects annually as Wu faces criticism for stalling road work before a city employee was killed by a truck.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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