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
While beating Real Madrid in the semis and (presumably) Chelsea in the final to raise the Club World Cup trophy will be a challenge, the most obvious pick at this point feels like the right one: PSG To Win Club World Cup (+140 at DK) -- 1 unit. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 As a formerly homeless person and survivor of domestic violence, Smith is part of the Continuum of Care’s People With Lived Expertise Committee which helps identify challenges facing homeless people. Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
Of course the market is challenged, but there isn't a brand issue. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 7 July 2025 Volunteers, search dogs and drones have joined the effort, with some rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain filled with snakes. CBS News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • His objection automatically ended debate, per Council rules, and led Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who spoke favorably of the resolution, to send it to the Committee on Civil Rights, Immigrant Advancement and Racial Equity.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Combs' legal team proposed probation officials provide a pre-sentence investigation report by August 29, with objections filed by his attorneys by September 5.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But a new problem arose — implanting an egg via IVF can be very difficult.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Wimbledon’s new line-calling technology is causing problems for some players and fans of the century-old, tradition-centric tennis tournament.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Other residents questioned why concerns about possible adverse health effects were not factored into the decision on whether to proceed with the new tower.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, some comments under the original video questioned if the Pentagon had asked Metallica for permission to use the song, with many questioning whether the band would have agreed to do so.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Netanyahu labels as anti-Semitic anyone who dares to criticize his conduct of the war, yet, many of these critics are Israelis, Jews, who identify as Zionists and condemn the mass killing of a civilian population.
    Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
  • The trio opened fire on a pair of rival dealers in August 1996, paralyzing one of them, and four months later, Ennis and his brother stabbed two more dealers who dared cross into Dog Pound territory, court documents show.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Further cuts will be required to reduce the U.S. deficit with the Congressional Budget Office projecting Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill will add $2.4 trillion to the national debt.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • Reservations required: Which national parks require them in 2025 Unrelated, the executive order also revokes a presidential memorandum signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2017 that promoted a range of diversity and inclusion efforts in the management of national parks and other public lands.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Any exceptions lawmakers want to carve out must be backed by a strong state interest that increases protections for minors.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • The United States economy is vastly different from ancient Rome’s, with one important exception: there remains today the same temptation to finance public promises with money created out of thin air.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Hook believes that talent will always rise to the top no matter where players are drafted.
    Melissa Lockard, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • In a letter to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, lawyers for state Rep. Laurel Libby said the Auburn Republican won’t contest a motion from Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey’s office to dismiss her appeal of a lower court ruling, because the case has been resolved.
    Chris Wade, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
  • Darius Bazley was the Lakers’ only constant on defense, switching on the perimeter while contesting shots at the rim.
    Micheel Alharazy, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 19 Jul. 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!