challenging 1 of 2

adjective

ˈcha-lən-jiŋ How to pronounce challenging (audio)
Definition of challengingnext
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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challenging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of challenge
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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2
as in daring
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

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3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance

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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 challenging
Adjective
This enduring legacy, underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, preserving the rule of law even when challenging authority. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 In early June, Old Trafford’s leadership were reluctant to meet West Ham’s demands, but serious competition from north London made their hopes of reaching a compromise more challenging. — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
It is expected to be hot and dry through Monday, with very little humidity, officials said, making conditions challenging for containment. — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 July 2026 Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Brazil's first non-native coach sparked controversy, challenging the nation's proud football heritage. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
  1. difficult
  2. demanding
  3. questioning
  4. daring
  5. requiring
  6. tough
  7. contesting
  8. needing
Adjective
  • Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Building a paper airplane can be as demanding as building the airframe of a real aircraft.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
  • Once the evaluation process is complete, the company plans to scale production to thousands of units over the next three years, targeting manufacturers seeking to automate physically demanding and hazardous work.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of demanding
Verb
  • The video ends with the woman remaining at the scene until Broward Sheriff's Office deputies arrived and detained her for questioning.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • This can be especially true for LGBTQ+ youth looking for support, teens questioning their identity, or young people whose religious, political or social views differ from those of their parents.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Definition of questioning
Verb
  • The year-old eastern imperial eagle from Serbia, started flying in August and later set off on his first migratory flight toward the Middle East, only to be captured by poachers, sold illegally and retrieved in a daring cross-border mission.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • This fast-paced, 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus, blending daring feats with playful mischief and Circus Bella’s signature sparkle with the Circus Bella All-Star Band’s live music.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
Definition of daring
Verb
  • Those decisions on what to review next in the Second Amendment space come after the high court struck down on June 25 a Hawaii law requiring gun owners to get permission before bringing guns into stores or other private property open to the public.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The findings suggest that requiring face mask use in public could help in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of requiring
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of tough
Verb
  • Abbott is contesting that verdict and the Missouri appeals court’s decision.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The bicentennial occurred during an election year, with all the partisan denunciations that entails (though when Jimmy Carter narrowly beat Ford, no one thought of contesting the results).
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of contesting
Verb
  • Albin heads into his second season needing to put wins on the board in 2026.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Marko Arnautovic’s early goal already seemed to throw a spanner in the works with both teams needing a draw to progress.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of needing

Browse Nearby Words

challenges
challenging
chamber
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on challenging

Nglish: Translation of challenging for Spanish Speakers

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