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

Relevance
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
  • Ohio’s governor’s seat tilted toward the Democratic Party’s favor, as Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy challenges a rival with broad name recognition.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2026
  • That challenges the earlier idea that Homo floresiensis organized and equipped themselves well enough to bring down something as large as a Stegodon.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • While celebrating this enduring model, the nation confronts serious challenges and concerning efforts to suppress civic groups.
    Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • When ambitious young athlete Jamal (Stenline) enters her life and confronts the dangerous world around her, everything fractures.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • But some say the company faces an uphill struggle on the continent.
    Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Sheriff Jim Cooper fired Gurich, who now faces felony assault charges with a court date set for July 24.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dares

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster