1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demanding
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
a challenging test designed to whittle down the number of contestants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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 challenging
Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
When your financial situation becomes so challenging that paying bills feels like an insurmountable hurdle, debt settlement might provide a path to regain control.
—Victor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
The excitement of the March Madness NCAA tournament can be a particularly challenging time for those trying not to gamble.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
When your financial situation becomes so challenging that paying bills feels like an insurmountable hurdle, debt settlement might provide a path to regain control.
—Victor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Khan Suri’s legal team is challenging his detention in court, and on Thursday, a federal judge ruled he cannot be removed from the country while his petition is pending.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Many foreign jurisdictions lack robust cybercrime enforcement or tend to favor local defendants in legal disputes, making prosecution of overseas intellectual property theft challenging.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Here’s a brief comparison between top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom: • U.S. Programs (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg): These are typically two years long with frequent in-person sessions; these programs offer an immersive but demanding experience.—
Shai Zamanian,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Scene-stealing comedic parts in the Pitch Perfect franchise and on series like Modern Family led to more physically demanding opportunities in series like The Righteous Gemstones.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.—
Acacia Gabriel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Living your bucket list A recent study showed nine out of 10 participants have made a bucket list, many of which include daring feats, like skydiving.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The witness said Metcalf touched Anthony, who allegedly responded by daring Metcalf to punch him.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In Florida, Our Children’s Trust brought its latest case because there still are provisions in the law requiring state agencies to prioritize renewable energy, Rodgers said.—
Amy Green,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
-
California's Regulatory Actions California revised its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, now requiring that 60% of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030, as a step towards its 2045 goal of 100% clean energy.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But, then, the Warriors aren’t the only tough out in an overloaded Western Conference.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2025
-
That’s likely a tough pill to swallow for Gomez, who typically launches her albums at No. 1.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
To receive autism certification through Autism Double Checked, staff at participating properties go through rigorous training on how to best support their autistic guests, such as how to adapt a menu for a picky eater and how to avoid strongly scented cleaning products.—
Jamie Davis Smith,
AFAR Media,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In February, disputing rumors of a cancellation late last year, HBO confirmed alongside a first-look image that production for season 3 of Euphoria would begin in early 2025 with the same main cast members set to return.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
This can be helpful for disputing charges and clearing your record.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share