challenge 1 of 2

Definition of challengenext

challenge

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to dare
to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat I challenge you to swim to the other side of the pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 challenge
Noun
Every generation since has inherited that responsibility, adapting it to the challenges of its own time. Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 There are some challenges in confirming the flag seen in the image from 1940 is indeed the same flag now in the historical society’s possession, including a discrepancy on the dimensions mentioned in the newspaper, Anselmo said. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Verb
The only downside is that roses have a reputation for being challenging to grow. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Taub is often the voice of reason on the team, willing to challenge House and the other doctors. Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenge
Noun
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Buchhorn’s conviction was overturned in 2021, after the Court of Appeals of Kansas found Buchhorn’s defense did not sufficiently question Erik Mitchell of Frontier Forensics Midwest, an independent contractor who performed Oliver’s autopsy.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Trump has routinely teased the possibility of seeking a third term since returning to office and openly questioned whether he would be allowed to do so.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Substitute Desire Doue provided the magic, tiptoeing past opponents in the penalty area and daring a dangling leg from Diego Gomez.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Over 1,100 competitors daring to make it to the top of the country’s largest seven-day table tennis tournament will compete through July 9 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • While the majority of states have lieutenant governors, there are exceptions.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • For Isaienko, that is precisely why festivals like Stoned Climbers matter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • So the Heat are confident and Giannis is confident, which is what matters.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Abbott is contesting that verdict and the Missouri appeals court’s decision.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Among the 16 players in the league to contest at least six shots per game that season, that percentage ranked third behind only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, who were the top two finalists for Defensive Player of the Year this season.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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