1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
John Drake, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Apple has been navigating a complex political environment, and some analysts expect the tech giant to raise prices on the Pro models as the company deals with a challenging tariff environment.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Many political groups reported no donors at all and two lawsuits challenging the law could end all such disclosure in the future.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Even when the authors simulated the emergence of new, more transmissible variants (a frequent situation that proved very challenging to forecasters during the COVID-19 pandemic), the algorithm proved robust, adjusting quickly by re-estimating transmission rates.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Apple has been navigating a complex political environment, and some analysts expect the tech giant to raise prices on the Pro models as the company deals with a challenging tariff environment.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
The perspective of voices onscreen… that was conceptually really interesting but also technically [challenging].
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Many political groups reported no donors at all and two lawsuits challenging the law could end all such disclosure in the future.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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The Bulls look to be the best team in the Group of Five conferences, while the Gators and coach Billy Napier are now under pressure with a difficult SEC schedule ahead.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Usually the final day of boot camp is most difficult.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bassini has observed the circuit of influencers and hopefuls who try a more demanding don’t-you-know-who-I-am approach, only to see them get turned away unceremoniously each time.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
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By contrast, six Black women have journeyed to outer space as astronauts, a job that is equally demanding and risky and for which the odds of being selected are very low.—
Gena Cox,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to the New York Times, this individual was the second person detained and later released by law enforcement authorities after questioning.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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Instead, the Prime Minister’s absence has left British Jews questioning whether this government is serious about confronting the hatred consuming our country.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From sleight-of-hand tricks to daring stunts, the afternoon is designed to keep the laughs and gasps coming.—
Tiffani Jackson Skinner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
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Enthralling both fellow captives and the Bey of Algiers, Cervantes, his spirit unbroken, also imagines a daring escape plan.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The judge granted a preliminary injunction requiring the Federal Reserve to allow Cook to continue serving on its board of governors for now.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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But running an unexpected special election tests the strength of these traditions, requiring election officials to recruit creatively – and fast – because the arrangements aren’t already accounted for in existing contracts.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That’s a tough dichotomy to bridge, but the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS achieves it brilliantly.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
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The tough stainless steel loops are reinforced and designed to remain rust-free even after years of use, and a three number combination lock will be easy to remember and difficult to crack.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Additionally, businesses are limited by the administrative process for contesting tariffs, under which tariff adjustments must occur in a period of 314 days, or slightly more than 10 months.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
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This year, the Harris campaign isn’t contesting Florida, leaving local Democrats to rely on their own resources to drive turnout.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The correct legal contract tailored to your business requirements by a qualified attorney can greatly aid in preserving your assets in contrast to needing to engage in a legal battle to defend them.—
Michael Gargiulo,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement Train managers to lead without needing proof Second, all employers should prepare their managers for how to approach immigration issues in advance.—
Jenn Tardy,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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