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
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
Yet no less worthy are the moments of self-correction, when a thinker dares to undo what once seemed certain.
—
Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
The commentary on how responsibilities take over our lives, forcing us to dismiss what’s truly valuable, never dares to substantially poke at the reasons why this occurs, such as economic inequality, lack of opportunities and corporate greed.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Julia Roberts' latest film dares to ask the uncomfortable questions.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Today, the term is lobbed at anyone who dares question the optimism of infinite progress.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
So this week, as Mercury reminds you to connect with grace and Venus dares you to simplify your love and money story, know that the real magic is already germinating under the surface.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025
If Putin dares to test NATO again, the consequences will fall on him.
—David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This sensual, swoon-worthy drama dares to imagine love thriving where prejudice prevails.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
One dares to hope that Hollywood, for all its current ills, may finally be turning a corner, reverting back to when new ideas were held at a premium.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
The commentary on how responsibilities take over our lives, forcing us to dismiss what’s truly valuable, never dares to substantially poke at the reasons why this occurs, such as economic inequality, lack of opportunities and corporate greed.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Julia Roberts' latest film dares to ask the uncomfortable questions.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Today, the term is lobbed at anyone who dares question the optimism of infinite progress.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
So this week, as Mercury reminds you to connect with grace and Venus dares you to simplify your love and money story, know that the real magic is already germinating under the surface.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025
If Putin dares to test NATO again, the consequences will fall on him.
—David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This sensual, swoon-worthy drama dares to imagine love thriving where prejudice prevails.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
One dares to hope that Hollywood, for all its current ills, may finally be turning a corner, reverting back to when new ideas were held at a premium.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
-
Her choice challenges the rules of her world and sparks a rebellion that paves the way for a new way of life.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Their paper challenges the standard Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model, which assumes that the effects of dark energy remain constant.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The story takes a darker turn as Saruul becomes a victim of blackmail and Myagmar confronts the limits of forgiveness, leading to a devastating choice.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
-
His crushing final monologue, in which Vladimir confronts his own nihilism, is as potent as anything you're bound to see on Broadway this year.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Today, as the world faces over 60 conflicts — the highest number since the end of World War II — play remains as important as ever.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Now Parker faces the scrutiny of the general TV audience.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share