challenge 1 of 2

challenge

2 of 2

verb

1
2
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

3

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
Don’t miss this powerful conversation about transformation, authenticity, and the ongoing challenges—and vital importance—of telling LGBTQ+ stories in and out of uniform. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 These are all challenges that new BOP Director William Marshall III acknowledges. Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The court consolidated two separate cases in which plaintiffs – seven small businesses and a dozen states — have successfully challenged the legality of the tariffs at issue. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 The appeals court case is one of four legal battles challenging the state’s authority to hold detainees at the facility. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • The objections that stopped earlier attempts are now dissolving.
    Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Libraries received only 12 formal objections since 2021 Changes brought by the supervisors' stand in contrast to how library administrators historically have dealt with book objections.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of predictive policing that reinforces existing biases, envision AI that helps communities understand and address root causes of social problems.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But even the right approach to the right problem risks failure if not properly executed.
    Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, local authorities later said the individual had been questioned and released.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Republican and Democratic lawmakers questioned the tactics after the earlier strike.
    George Petras, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her collectedness collapses as Johnson turns the joke into a physical act-out, becoming almost insulted that this earthquake dared to frighten her.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Where are the bisexuals who are daring and creative and literally have the power to change or save the world?
    Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That may require surgical correction.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintaining the federalized police force beyond 30 days, however, would have required action from Congress.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The only exception was the 2019 AFCON quarter-final, when Troost-Ekong struck an 89th-minute winner for the Super Eagles.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The sole exception to the rule of the total privacy of color experience can be found in the television of the Gilligan’s Island era.
    Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These matters concerning candidate quality are nothing new.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The executives were able to meet with Pope Leo in a private audience that included others, according to a person familiar with the matter.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 1969 Ryder Cup was contested at Royal Birkdale in England.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the mayoral race drew focus at the top of the ticket, the two races remained contested keys to shaping the next Boston City Council.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on challenge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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