1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demanding
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
a challenging test designed to whittle down the number of contestants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
Eammonn Dignam, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Use these hard-to-kill plants to simplify gardening on your most challenging sites or anywhere in the garden to ensure lasting blooms and weather-resistant foliage.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
The game is essentially 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball, offering a challenging experience that, while not entirely reflective of actual wheelchair basketball, provides a unique gameplay twist.
—Eammonn Dignam, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Use these hard-to-kill plants to simplify gardening on your most challenging sites or anywhere in the garden to ensure lasting blooms and weather-resistant foliage.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
Khan Suri’s legal team is challenging his detention in court, and on Thursday, a federal judge ruled he cannot be removed from the country while his petition is pending.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In the last two decades, the number of hospitals and diagnostic centers has already increased sixfold, and there’s room for many more, particularly those that value quality, which patients are increasingly demanding and becoming aware of.—
Sylvana Quader Sinha,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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In making such a claim, Bonhoeffer moved the aim of conscience away from obedience to rational principles and to the more demanding and concrete love for God and one’s living, breathing, suffering neighbor.—
David DeCosse,
Mercury News,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.—
Acacia Gabriel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Living your bucket list A recent study showed nine out of 10 participants have made a bucket list, many of which include daring feats, like skydiving.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
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The witness said Metcalf touched Anthony, who allegedly responded by daring Metcalf to punch him.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In Florida, Our Children’s Trust brought its latest case because there still are provisions in the law requiring state agencies to prioritize renewable energy, Rodgers said.—
Amy Green,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
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California's Regulatory Actions California revised its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, now requiring that 60% of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030, as a step towards its 2045 goal of 100% clean energy.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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On the other side, the Grizzlies had an even tougher time with Curry, who finished with 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Keagan Ostop,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Although seeking refugee protection might come to mind, qualifying for refugee protection involves a complex, rigorous process that involves meeting a multi-pronged legal test.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In February, disputing rumors of a cancellation late last year, HBO confirmed alongside a first-look image that production for season 3 of Euphoria would begin in early 2025 with the same main cast members set to return.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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This can be helpful for disputing charges and clearing your record.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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