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
Examples 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
Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
But capturing the number of new immigrants is a challenging aspect of U.S. population estimates.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
What’s at Stake for Corporate DEI Programs Ames is not directly challenging an employer’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for challenging 
Adjective
Losing visceral fat can be as challenging as any other weight loss, but making small, sustainable changes in your day-to-day life can help you succeed.22
Diet
Certain meal plans are more effective than others for losing visceral fat.
—Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
But capturing the number of new immigrants is a challenging aspect of U.S. population estimates.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
With a mid-level workplace safety rank of 20, Kentucky’s economic environment remains challenging for many employees.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
What’s at Stake for Corporate DEI Programs Ames is not directly challenging an employer’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program.
—Michelle Travis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for challenging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenging
Adjective
-
An at least 200-year-old celebration of French and Mediterranean cuisine, macarons are renowned as the ‘impossible dessert,’ a result of the notoriously involved and difficult baking process.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
-
So trying to get your voice there and control the inflections and all was very difficult.Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Watch it here, with a warning about his language: Season 2 will delve deeper into the personal and professional lives of NHL stars, offering viewers a 360-degree view of their lives both on and off the ice and sacrifice required to excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports.Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
-
Some squirrels at California’s college campuses have become infamous among students for their demanding behavior, even winning student elections, but they’ve never been seen hunting smaller rodents on such a widespread scale.Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
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
-
The mom of two is widely known for her daring, trailblazing and even empowering looks and fashion philosophies.Rachel Raposas, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
-
Raw, daring content creates moments that feel memorable and authentic.Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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
-
Carro, known for his tough stance on crime and his experience with cases involving terrorism enhancements, will play a key role in shaping the trial's proceedings.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
-
In December, the West Central Montana Avalanche Center made the tough decision to no longer send avalanche experts to Seeley Lake to test the snowpack.Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Pioneering a Transparent, Equitable Future for Peer Review and Publishing of Scholarly Work For decades, the peer review process in academic publishing has been considered the benchmark—ensuring that only the most rigorous research makes its way into the world.Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
-
Every mortgage review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of home loan products.Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
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
Articles Related to challenging
Thesaurus Entries Near challenging
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenging. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share