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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of challenging
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Communication is a challenging thing to do in a diverse district such as CPS.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
This idea weaves through the novel as Sadie, the protagonist, becomes increasingly drawn to Bruno’s worldview, challenging her sense of self and mission.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Experts will also discuss clinical trials and strategies to help caregivers navigate the challenging disease.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Communication is a challenging thing to do in a diverse district such as CPS.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
The past four years have been challenging and the board has faced struggles, both large and small.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
This idea weaves through the novel as Sadie, the protagonist, becomes increasingly drawn to Bruno’s worldview, challenging her sense of self and mission.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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Travel could be very difficult to impossible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
-
This Is My Story While Israel and Hamas have accepted the two-phase agreement, many of the more difficult issues have been left unresolved.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Some of those ticketholders sued the Astros claiming fraud and demanding refunds.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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This training camp, with a new strength and conditioning staff, the Sabres talked about how demanding practice was and how a long list of players reported to camp in great shape.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Nobody is questioning the ability of the pass rusher, especially with the track record of his three seasons at Penn State.—
Cameron Belcher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
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But as baby boxes spread, other people are questioning whether this is the best way to support women in crisis.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Both lineups kept demanding more from their pitchers, almost daring one to break.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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This will also serve as a distraction so other militants can take more 'daring actions' elsewhere in the city.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Roomba's double-sided brush mounts gradually build up a tangle at either end, eventually requiring you to pull the ends off the roller and dig all the hair out.—
Loz Blain
October 14,
New Atlas,
14 Oct. 2025
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Many lawmakers have called for laws requiring Big Tech to better protect against chatbots promoting unsafe behaviors such as suicide and self-harm on their platforms.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The end result of a tough negotiation that included a nearly two-week blackout of Disney channels on Charter in 2023 was a much closer working relationship between the two.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
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Just a week after giving birth, Menish took her six-hour Evidence exam from home in December 2023 — one of the toughest finals in the curriculum.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon led the most recent review as part of a settlement with Greenberg’s parents, who have spent years contesting the suicide finding.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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The national federal workers union is contesting the legality of these and other layoffs.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The extra-large water tank allows the machine to run for up to eight hours without needing to drain.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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It's been closed since, with equipment lost, and its dining room and bar needing to be completely rebuilt.—
Hannah Kirby,
jsonline.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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