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challenge

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verb

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as in to dare
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat I challenge you to swim to the other side of the pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 challenge
Noun
Unions have filed challenges with a state employment board, but those will likely not be resolved before the order goes into effect in July. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025 An ‘Extraordinary’ Day Hike: The Cactus to Clouds ascent just outside Palm Springs, Calif., is grueling, but natural treasures, and a speedy trip down, await anyone who is up to the challenge. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
But the court also said that some ballots could end up being tossed out, giving Griffin, who is challenging the outcome of the November election, an opportunity to overturn Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs’ narrow win. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025 But sometime in the past two months the United States crossed into a new and unfamiliar realm—one in which the consequences of challenging the state seem to increasingly carry real danger. Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • Home demolished During winter break at the University of Idaho, a demolition began of the home where the murders took place, over the objections of some of the victims' family members.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Idaho mining project has years of history The Forest Service signaled its initial approval in September, according to reporting from the Idaho Capital Sun, then held a mandatory 45-day objection period.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The problem instead is that the gap between research and classroom practice remains as wide as ever.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The team’s defensive problems have been well documented.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Cybertruck is indeed a valiant effort in doing something new, and that’s not what most manufacturers dare to do.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Stacy's husband Jim speculated that the bald eagle wanted to eat their dog — and probably would if Gnocchi dared to venture outside.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jones will need to undoubtedly run a personal best in the 100-meters to walk home with $100,000.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Those grasping hopefuls will need to busy themselves elsewhere.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of the most glaring exceptions is behind the plate.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Under government efficiency, the budget requires the budget director to withhold 5% of each agency’s appropriations with exceptions for Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Department of Child Services to avoid losing matching grant funds.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Not to reopen wounds, but to remind Cambodians why justice, democracy and dignity matter.
    Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The attorney, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the firms provided no reason for their decision.
    Ryan Lucas, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Neither Pera nor Baptiste had contested a Billie Jean King Cup tie before this week.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Pleading no contest meant Baker did not contest the charges and accepted the facts alleged by prosecutors without admitting to being guilty.
    Sean Keane, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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