DARES Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

dares

verb

present tense third-person singular of dare

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

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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

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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 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 In each case, Akhavan dares the viewer to look closer, and perhaps, for a moment, let an object become more than our preconceptions. —

Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026 The regime’s new leadership, under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to be even harsher than the previous one, eager to send a message to anyone who dares to challenge it. —

Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 As Alamo’s right-hand man, Darrell Britt-Gibson portrays Bishop with a lurking, enigmatic energy that personifies danger and can put the fear of God into anyone who dares challenge his boss. —

Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Continue reading … MAP WARS HEAT UP — DeSantis dares Hakeem Jeffries to visit Florida after 'f-around and find out' taunt. —

FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 And there’s that quesadilla negro with the squid-ink tortilla and the short rib and the green goddess, the quesadilla that dares you to call it bar food. —

Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares

Verb

This challenges our traditional view of the CEO’s role, turning it into the single, central point of integration — an approach only viable in a small handful of the most powerful tech companies.

— Adrienne Down Coulson, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Our mission is to create bold, cinematic film and television that challenges perception, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting emotional imprint.

— Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 1 June 2026