1
as in questioned
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in required
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenged
The Avs challenged for offsides, and the goal was taken off the board.
—
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
The 90-minute delay challenged everyone in the arena to find ways to kill time.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
So Jordan’s overhaul challenged both a distinct corporate culture and a revered business model.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Mosley challenged his team to take care of the basketball and play with better energy and effort from the jump — two key factors that led to Orlando‘s demise at Washington.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The government does not admit wrongdoing and federal agents can resume the same tactics that were challenged.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The explanation was challenged by the Connecticut Airport Authority, which runs Bradley, the state’s largest commercial airport.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
The lawsuits challenged and blocked state laws in Idaho and West Virginia that banned biological males from women’s and girls’ sports.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Federal authorities said the agent shot his firearm in self defense, but officials in Minneapolis have challenged that account.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenged
Verb
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Parents have also questioned why no new security procedures have been put in place to improve locker room supervision or restrict cell phone use among the staff.—
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This defiance has rallied Danes behind her, though critics have questioned her ability to defend the homeland.—
Verb
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Instead, officials engaged in a vicious crusade to repress whoever dared challenge the outcome.—
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As much as his ability to land the inconceivable, Malinin’s great strength has always been the imagination and courage to take his skating to places few even considered, let alone dared to reach for.—
Verb
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Emulating that has previously required a ton of detective work and a hodgepodge of products, but that changed with the 2025 launch of Stewart’s skin care brand Elm Biosciences and its inaugural A30 Elemental Serum.—
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He was freed on a $500,000 bond but was required to report to jail every weekend.—
Verb
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When power is taken from the outside, domestic institutions struggle to assert authority, legitimacy is contested and responsibility diffuses just when clarity is needed.—
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An off-balance, contested 3-pointer from junior forward Andrew Meadow that bounced off the rim and into the hands of an Aztec at the end of triple overtime will be the defining memory for Boise State (9-5, 1-2 Mountain West) in a 110-107 loss to San Diego State (9-4, 3-0).—
Verb
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If your garden experiences frost heaving, firm the soil around the cuttings as needed.—
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Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
Verb
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Walz and other state officials have disputed that estimate.—
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The utility disputed that claim, saying the outage was an internal problem at the jail.—
Verb
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What lies ahead For decades, ACIP recommended changes to the childhood schedule only when new evidence or clear shifts in disease risk demanded it.—
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On Tuesday, Britain’s top technology official demanded that Musk’s social media platform X take urgent action while a Polish lawmaker cited it as a reason to enact digital safety laws.—
Verb
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According to her petition, Good wanted to change her last name from Renee Nicole Macklin to Renee Nicole Macklin Good.—
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The 49ers wound up losing defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to become the head coach of the Houston Texans and Shanahan wanted to hire Fangio to replace him, but Fangio was hired by Miami the same day the 49ers’ season ended in Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game.—
Cite this Entry
“Challenged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenged. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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