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
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Recent Examples of dares
And anyone who dares to peek behind the curtain—journalists, dissident professors, activists, even, bizarrely, the Iranian president himself—becomes a threat to the regime.
—
Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
See if Mike Johnson dares to object!
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The Sith, led by Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine) and Darth Vader, sit at the top of the food chain, but Maul still dares to build a criminal empire in the shadows.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Two generational voices of reggaeton teamed up and left us with a chorus that dares to overshadow everything in a packed stadium.
—Yifan Wu, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
None of us dares skip the reading, and nobody bails on the meeting.
—Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Any film that dares to cover the life of a spiritual leader will likely run right into a high level of skepticism, scrutiny, derision and, yes, even some old-fashioned acceptance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There's such a touching moment that Zhao essentially dares you not to cry.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
See if Mike Johnson dares to object!
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The Sith, led by Darth Sidious (aka Emperor Palpatine) and Darth Vader, sit at the top of the food chain, but Maul still dares to build a criminal empire in the shadows.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Two generational voices of reggaeton teamed up and left us with a chorus that dares to overshadow everything in a packed stadium.
—Yifan Wu, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
None of us dares skip the reading, and nobody bails on the meeting.
—Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Any film that dares to cover the life of a spiritual leader will likely run right into a high level of skepticism, scrutiny, derision and, yes, even some old-fashioned acceptance.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
There's such a touching moment that Zhao essentially dares you not to cry.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dares
Verb
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The lawsuit challenges the city of Hobart’s Plan Commission decision to convert a site plan review application into a fill permit during a public meeting, despite the application lacking basic information required under city ordinance.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Look for anything that challenges you.—
Amanda Gardner,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With a tone that's equally anxious and lovesick, the British singer confronts domestic bliss and finds her stride.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
-
What to do about the crisis that sociology confronts?—
Wendy Nelson Espeland,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Upon returning, the couple faces threatening neighbors and uncovers dark neighborhood secrets.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Several others were wounded and taken for treatment in Rahad, which faces severe medical supplies shortages like many areas in the Kordofan region, the statement said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dares. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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