DARE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

dare

verb

ˈder

Definition of dare

as in to challenge

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat I dare you to repeat that to my face! he dared his friend to race to the end of the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage every day the old fisherman dared the elements to make his meager living

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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 dare Slotkin released a video and a statement responding to the president following his remarks, daring the administration to come after her. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 Emily Ratajkowski has been keeping busy in Los Angeles, mixing daring mirror selfies with a little romance. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 But as a romantic like Noah or Joanne would tell you, there’s an ocean of difference between settling for good enough and daring to dream of something magical. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Beetz is just one of the latest stars to wear daring footwear while pregnant. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dare

Verb

During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
The ban passed in April 2025 and is being challenged by a group of educators, students, parents and activists who say the law violates their 1st and 14th Amendment rights.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of challenge

Verb

It’s been covered breathlessly on Instagram and by celebrity media — led by the former Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, who last Monday on his podcast described being confronted by Griffin at a wedding on the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The country is deeply polarized, increasingly castigated by the rest of the world, and confronting a resurgence of antisemitism.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of confront

Verb

The group has faced criticism over its stances on various issues, including the wars in Gaza and Iran.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
The move also lands weeks before Election Day, as Hochul faces Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman, who has criticized her for not opting in sooner.

— Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of face

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dappling

dare

dared

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“Dare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dare. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dare

verb

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