1
2
as in to confront
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
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 dare
Florida Highway Patrol, which is deputized to do immigration enforcement, conducting an arrest while refusing to say why, violently arresting a family member for daring to ask why the arrest is happening, and threatening to arrest a bystander in a public street who is filming.
—
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Beyond the dazzling jumps, daring descents and photo finishes lie lives shaped by sacrifice and sheer determination.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The mold had been set and other Black and Hispanic leaders dared to do what had been previously thought impossible – getting elected as minorities by majorities of white people.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
But most people don’t build bomb shelters because America’s enemies don’t dare lob missiles into the country.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dare
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Beyond the dazzling jumps, daring descents and photo finishes lie lives shaped by sacrifice and sheer determination.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The mold had been set and other Black and Hispanic leaders dared to do what had been previously thought impossible – getting elected as minorities by majorities of white people.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
But most people don’t build bomb shelters because America’s enemies don’t dare lob missiles into the country.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dare
Verb
-
Leading through challenging moments requires steadiness, clear priorities, and transparency.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Your 3rd House of Transmissions carries mischievous Mercury, bouncing off of reactive Uranus in your 6th House of Everyday Effort, challenging your rhythm with a last-minute task.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When the mother-in-law entered Simon’s bedroom to tell him and his wife about it, Simon appeared visibly upset and left the room to confront Toth.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Limiting Walker would force Darnold to confront his demons.—
Hank Gola,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the measure is expected to face major pushback in the Senate.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The secretary has faced pressure from Democrats and Republicans after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead during an immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.—
Ryan Mancini,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dare. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
