1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in questioning
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
don't hesitate to challenge any statement that generalizes about people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in requiring
to have as a requirement
having to put up with an overbearing boss challenges forbearance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
When your financial situation becomes so challenging that paying bills feels like an insurmountable hurdle, debt settlement might provide a path to regain control.
—Victor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Just because employees file more reverse discrimination claims challenging corporate DEI programs, however, does not necessarily mean that those claims are more likely to succeed.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Adjective
The excitement of the March Madness NCAA tournament can be a particularly challenging time for those trying not to gamble.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
When your financial situation becomes so challenging that paying bills feels like an insurmountable hurdle, debt settlement might provide a path to regain control.
—Victor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
This decision is part of broader litigation challenging the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), with several district courts ruling in favor of the Treasury's position on the CTA's constitutionality.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Just because employees file more reverse discrimination claims challenging corporate DEI programs, however, does not necessarily mean that those claims are more likely to succeed.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
There are very big match-ups being played week in and week out in what is one of the most difficult leagues to play in on the planet, this means the big contenders will drop points more often than in some other leagues.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Generations of design successors have insisted that pie charts are difficult to read and even amount to optical informatic illusions, but we are still stuck with them.—
Mara Mills,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Scene-stealing comedic parts in the Pitch Perfect franchise and on series like Modern Family led to more physically demanding opportunities in series like The Righteous Gemstones.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Here’s a brief comparison between top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom: • U.S. Programs (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg): These are typically two years long with frequent in-person sessions; these programs offer an immersive but demanding experience.—
Shai Zamanian,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
From his cell, the pilfering penguin takes remote control of a robotic gnome developed by Wallace and hatches a daring escape plan followed by another botched attempt to get his flippers on the diamond.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
The birds’ daring strategy is supported by their ability to read environmental cues.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
California's Regulatory Actions California revised its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) targets, now requiring that 60% of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2030, as a step towards its 2045 goal of 100% clean energy.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
In Florida, Our Children’s Trust brought its latest case because there still are provisions in the law requiring state agencies to prioritize renewable energy, Rodgers said.—
Amy Green,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But the Lotus ladies will have some tough competition, including seven-time winner Allison Janney, two-time winner Patricia Arquette, and potential double nominee Kaitlyn Dever.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
That’s likely a tough pill to swallow for Gomez, who typically launches her albums at No. 1.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
There are a variety of platforms that can support rigorous experimentation and analysis.—
Roli Saxena,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The union hasn't even gotten to the bargaining table for a first contract — Amazon is still disputing its right to exist.—
Emily Peck,
Axios,
19 Dec. 2024
-
The settlement also requires Epic Games to get positive consent before charging gamers, the FTC said, and banned it from locking players out of their accounts for disputing unauthorized charges.—
John Tufts Eric Lagatta
Indianapolis Star,
The Indianapolis Star,
13 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share