1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
New York Times Games, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Farley said those earnings included the export of vehicles such as the Lincoln Nautilus, which is exclusively produced in China for other markets such as the U.S.
China has been an increasingly challenging market for automakers, especially western legacy companies such as Ford and General Motors.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 10 Jan. 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
Today’s average difficulty is 5.2 guesses out of 6, or very challenging.
—New York Times Games, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Farley said those earnings included the export of vehicles such as the Lincoln Nautilus, which is exclusively produced in China for other markets such as the U.S.
China has been an increasingly challenging market for automakers, especially western legacy companies such as Ford and General Motors.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 10 Jan. 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
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Despite his success, Axiom’s presence in WWE is remarkable, as professional wrestling remains niche in Spain and has been difficult to find on TV.Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
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However, the complexity of the systems required to control so many qubits makes scalability difficult.Peter Cohan, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Two of the judges on the D.C. Circuit applied strict scrutiny, the highest and most demanding form of judicial review, and said the government satisfied that standard.Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
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Consumers are more demanding than ever, seeking true desirability, hyper-personalization, sustainability and seamless omnichannel experiences.Jill Standish, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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The birds’ daring strategy is supported by their ability to read environmental cues.Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Rempe became a fan favorite in New York as a rookie last season, making a name for himself around the NHL by fighting the league's biggest and toughest stalwarts.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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Resolutions often fail due to an all-or-nothing mindset full of tough self-criticism.Jane Hanson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Truth, in this sense, is sought and rendered, something produced by rigorous inquiry and informed consideration rather than something discovered.Fergus McIntosh, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
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The Kings hadn’t played since their double-overtime win over the Miami Heat on Monday, leaving three days between games, which likely would have meant at least one rigorous practice with Brown at the helm.Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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