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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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
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
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Recent Examples of challenging
Scott J. Allen, Big Think, 6 Jan. 2026
Baltimore’s policing crisis eroded public trust for years, making reform more difficult and recruitment more challenging.
—Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
Sean Gregory, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
The rightful winner of Venezuela’s presidential election Machado rose to become Maduro’s strongest opponent in recent years, but his government barred her from running for office to prevent her from challenging — and likely beating — him in the 2024 presidential election.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
Stretch assignments may include high-visibility initiatives, turnaround assignments, working with high-profile clients, getting influence to get work done, and collaborating with challenging individuals.
—Verb
Beijing was just challenging in itself.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
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Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
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In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Adjective
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Philadelphia first tried the 24-year-old at center but eventually moved him to the wing, presumably because of his struggles in the faceoff circle (just 39 percent of draws won) and because the wing is a less demanding defensive position.—
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Both must meet demanding performance standards, operate on efficient edge-compute systems, deliver provable safety, and scale in a commercially viable way.—
Verb
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He was held for questioning for two days, but released without charges in connection to her death.—
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Roughly 20 parents spoke to the school board Thursday night questioning what would happen if Blanton closed.—
Verb
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Wednesday nominee Jenna Ortega turned heads in a Dilara Findikoglu dress with daring cutouts paired with Simone Jewels earrings and rings.—
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Tonight, the Die My Love star attended the 2026 Golden Globes in something daring and sexy—a sheer dress from Sarah Burton’s Givenchy.—
Verb
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While the temporary jail facility will not be subject to the city ordinance requiring the standard, the permanent facility that is also planned will be.—
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Governing is a long and laborious process, requiring study, deliberation and the weighing of competing forces.—
Adjective
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This leads to families having to make tough decisions, said Cindy Kincaid, family caregiver program manager at Centralina Regional Council.—
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She's been amazing, a sort of brutal support, tough lover, very educational.—
Verb
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He was credited with contesting six shots inside the arc.—
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However, the Ellisons’ Paramount is contesting Warner’s choice and has launched a hostile takeover bid, asking investors to tender their Warner shares to Paramount.—
Verb
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With contractors and staff needing housing, Hawkins has seen interest in apartments grow with the fabs.—
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Astrorinse has a 22-liter capacity for the station’s debris handling and can support up to two cleaning cycles per week for as long as two months without needing to empty or replace the disposable dust bag.—
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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