1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of challenging
Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the 7,300-yard championship course is a masterpiece framed by lush vegetation and serene water features, creating a challenging yet visually stunning environment for experienced golfers.
—Carrie Coolidge, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Just because employees file more reverse discrimination claims challenging corporate DEI programs, however, does not necessarily mean that those claims are more likely to succeed.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
In interviews, leaders of Kansas City cultural institutions emphasized that IMLS plays a crucial role in funding projects and needs that can sometimes be challenging to fundraise privately.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the 7,300-yard championship course is a masterpiece framed by lush vegetation and serene water features, creating a challenging yet visually stunning environment for experienced golfers.
—Carrie Coolidge, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
This decision is part of broader litigation challenging the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), with several district courts ruling in favor of the Treasury's position on the CTA's constitutionality.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Just because employees file more reverse discrimination claims challenging corporate DEI programs, however, does not necessarily mean that those claims are more likely to succeed.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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As college sports continues its rapid professionalization, the ACC is in a difficult spot.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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In an era that would otherwise be dominated by the same handful of rich, powerful clubs, disruption — different names challenging for and winning the prizes — has never been more difficult or more important.—
Oliver Kay,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making, these systems ensure that city services remain nimble under the most demanding conditions.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Everest's unpredictable weather and difficult breathing conditions make this one of the most physically and mentally demanding climbs in the world.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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From his cell, the pilfering penguin takes remote control of a robotic gnome developed by Wallace and hatches a daring escape plan followed by another botched attempt to get his flippers on the diamond.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
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The birds’ daring strategy is supported by their ability to read environmental cues.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
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The opening weekend miss for what was a very buzzy Sundance title back in 2023 about a troubled but ambitious bodybuilder follows controversy around its star and comes at a tough time for indie films in general.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2025
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This likely helped maintain its brand trust during tough times. 8.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These competitions are known for their rigorous judging processes and high standards, making their results highly respected in the wine industry.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Cigarette smoking, immune system disorders, rigorous exercise, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, and surgical removal of the ovaries can all cause vaginal dryness.—
Sandra Rose Salathe,
Flow Space,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The union hasn't even gotten to the bargaining table for a first contract — Amazon is still disputing its right to exist.—
Emily Peck,
Axios,
19 Dec. 2024
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The settlement also requires Epic Games to get positive consent before charging gamers, the FTC said, and banned it from locking players out of their accounts for disputing unauthorized charges.—
John Tufts Eric Lagatta
Indianapolis Star,
The Indianapolis Star,
13 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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