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
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 July 2025
The trek is challenging—especially climbing the Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, or Hill of Regrets—and is best for experienced hikers, but the view, which encompasses the Pacific and the Caribbean on a clear day, is worth it.
—AFAR Media, 8 July 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
Such high alkalinity would be somewhat challenging for life.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 July 2025
The trek is challenging—especially climbing the Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, or Hill of Regrets—and is best for experienced hikers, but the view, which encompasses the Pacific and the Caribbean on a clear day, is worth it.
—AFAR Media, 8 July 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
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James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
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Our models and expertise can sniff out the broad parameters, but the precise location and timing of moisture plumes, training (quasi-stationary rain cells), and forcing mechanism can be difficult.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Once upon a time, the leadership style of a college coach was simple: intense, demanding, rigid, focused on detail and motivating with more stick than carrot.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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These jobs are highly demanding, but they are considered part-time under the city charter.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 July 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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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
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The witness said Metcalf touched Anthony, who allegedly responded by daring Metcalf to punch him.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
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With one out, however, Ohtani was thrown at the plate trying to score from third on Pages’ chopper up the line — making an aggressive, but proper, read in a game in which the Dodgers had long before conceded that runs would be tough to come by.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
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The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Experimental adoption is fine, as long as it's paired with rigorous due diligence and clearly defined outcomes.—
Stephanie Domas,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Hunting was off limits, as was trapping or poisoning, and the listing included rigorous habitat protections.—
Christine Peterson,
Vox,
27 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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