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
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 dares
When the warm weather calls for a sandal, the only pair my mom dares to reach for are her Keen wedge sandals.
—
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
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
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
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
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
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
-
Fewer people are getting SNAP benefits These aren’t the only challenges retailers that accept SNAP benefits face.—
Benjamin Chrisinger,
The Conversation,
19 May 2026
-
The report also challenges the assumption that administrative systems are neutral in their impact on students.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
One of those women, Kris (Lauren Bittner), whose entire demeanor screams former head cheerleader, finally confronts Patricia at her sunset and cocktails event.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
This conversation also rarely confronts the workforce problem.—
Jonathan Slater,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Each faces a felony theft charge, four felony counts of breaking or entering, and a misdemeanor charge of fleeing on foot, the post says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 May 2026
-
One patient retained normal core disgust reactivity but could no longer recognize disgust in others’ faces; another with anterior insula damage showed dysregulation in both producing and experiencing disgust.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
