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.
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Recent Examples of dares
More than a century later, the Chicago World's Fair remains one of the most remarkable chapters in this city's history and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a city dares to dream big.
—
Suzanne Le Mignot,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Then comes Erling Haaland, a high-speed human bulldozer, striking the fear of God into any defender or goalkeeper who dares stand in his way.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
The Amazon show dares to dream that romantic love need not be a clash of wills.
—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Only a steroid-addled rival, Pavel, dares to question Jim’s position.
—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
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
Suzanne Le Mignot,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Then comes Erling Haaland, a high-speed human bulldozer, striking the fear of God into any defender or goalkeeper who dares stand in his way.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
The Amazon show dares to dream that romantic love need not be a clash of wills.
—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Only a steroid-addled rival, Pavel, dares to question Jim’s position.
—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
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For example, a free kick should be awarded in such circumstances if an offside player blocks an opponent’s view of the ball, challenges an opponent for the ball, or tries to play it but misses.
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One seeks to block prosecutors from relying on certain hearsay evidence during the preliminary hearing, while the other challenges Graf's decision not to require key witness Lance Twiggs to testify in person.
Verb
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While celebrating this enduring model, the nation confronts serious challenges and concerning efforts to suppress civic groups.
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When ambitious young athlete Jamal (Stenline) enters her life and confronts the dangerous world around her, everything fractures.
Verb
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On Monday, McFarlane and two friends were outside the fencing, leaning against the metal barriers in front of the Department of Agriculture, which faces the National Mall.
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Look at the racial hostility that Caitlin Clark faces from Black players and media members on a nightly basis.
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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