demanding 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈman-diŋ How to pronounce demanding (audio)
Definition of demandingnext
1
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention the demanding assignment kept them working all night long

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exacting
hard to please will play before a demanding audience of music critics, who are not easily impressed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort the demanding task of reading and grading student compositions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

demanding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of demand
1
as in requiring
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority the losing party demanded a recount of the votes cast in the election

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in needing
to have as a requirement a task that demands one's unremitting attention

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in asking
to set or receive as a price superstars of the big screen who demand millions for appearing in a movie

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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 demanding
Adjective
His youthful face belies his ability to play in one of the most demanding positions on the field, defensive midfield, a spot usually reserved for senior professionals who’ve enjoyed decades of experience. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 Mortgages have given AngelAi a particularly demanding place to develop. — Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
What began last month as a protest over staff shortages at one high school southeast of Paris spread nationwide, drawing students demanding more funding for education and workers seeking help with soaring costs for fuel and other necessities. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Protesters in the Albanian capital Tirana, who have been demanding better support for education and the prime minister’s resignation, set fire to dumpsters and threw stones and tear gas canisters. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demanding
  1. challenging
  2. exacting
  3. difficult
  4. requiring
  5. needing
  6. asking
  7. careful
  8. tough
Adjective
  • Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But the shift in college athletics has required an internal reconciling that is even more challenging than the external education.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Records, especially for aircraft, are very exacting because of the criteria laid down by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
    — David Szondy October 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Known for his exacting, couture-like approach, and an experimental zeal rare among designers at Europe’s largest luxury brands, the Frenchman got his start in fashion by filing, photocopying and cataloguing fabrics at Jean Paul Gaultier.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of exacting
Adjective
  • Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of difficult
Verb
  • Highfill maintains a covenant requiring utility rates to generate net revenues equal to at least 110% of maximum annual debt service on outstanding system bonds.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Policymakers have also moved to address associated risks, with a dozen states now requiring companion chatbot operators to disclose to users that their tools are not human, and to institute crisis referral procedures.
    — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of requiring
Verb
  • Ideally, patients in the future may be able to undergo surgery and receive the vaccine and Keytruda without needing further melanoma treatment, Postow told CNBC.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The battery is rated to last up to one year before needing replacement.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of needing
Verb
  • After the shooting took place, the university issued a statement on X asking members of its campus community to stay away from the area.
    — Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The neurologist emphasized that patients should feel comfortable asking questions and getting a second opinion.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of asking
Adjective
  • And so far, things seem to be operating smoothly — something local residents have grown to expect, given the high caliber of local elections officials and the careful oversight of political parties.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • His work is known for its careful handling of color and its feel for the mood of ordinary days.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Winning means making much tougher decisions about what to put on the floor.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Flournoy made some tough grabs downfield, and Lamb punctuated the night with two touchdown grabs.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough

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Cite this Entry

“Demanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demanding. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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