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
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Recent Examples of dares
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
Anyone who dares to peek at outdoor sauna prices on Amazon might be surprised to find that many high-end models are listed for under $10,000.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 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
Love dares us to come to the table.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
People demand consistent application of laws that are riddled with subjective anomalies, then bemoan a lack of common sense whenever an official dares to interpret a rule too literally.
—Graham Scott, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
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
Anyone who dares to peek at outdoor sauna prices on Amazon might be surprised to find that many high-end models are listed for under $10,000.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 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
Love dares us to come to the table.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
People demand consistent application of laws that are riddled with subjective anomalies, then bemoan a lack of common sense whenever an official dares to interpret a rule too literally.
—Graham Scott, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
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The new format challenges players to solve five-letter word puzzles in a battle of smarts, speed and fun.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
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In 2021 researchers found a quasicrystal—a kind of matter scientists once thought impossible that challenges traditional ideas about how solids form.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The dinner scene with Niall’s mum, Lori (Neve McIntosh), and Ruben’s mum, Maura (Marianne McIvor) — when Joanna confronts them over Ruben’s behaviour — is both chilling and cathartic.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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During a particularly tense visit to his Florida home in her early 20s, Konkle confronts her dad about being inappropriate with her and other female friends.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Jenkinson, who faces two counts, is accused of threatening Andrew on Wednesday and another man on Tuesday.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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Price, who has represented the district since 2013, faces a dozen felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest and perjury.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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