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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of challenging
Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Marking the North Pole is challenging, as it’s covered by moving sea ice, but its geographic location, also known as the true North Pole, is fixed.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 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
Though bucks are known to get their antlers tangled up during fights on rare occasions, this predicament was particularly challenging — and called for very steady aim, according to wildlife officials.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Marking the North Pole is challenging, as it’s covered by moving sea ice, but its geographic location, also known as the true North Pole, is fixed.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 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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Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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The emotional weight of losing that independence is difficult to quantify, but its impact is profound.—
John Hope Bryant,
TIME,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Today’s shoppers are more demanding, more savvy and more cost-conscious than ever before.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
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Friends and sources told PEOPLE at the time that although Silva was excited for Costner’s Hollywood ascendance, their relationship became more difficult due to his increasingly demanding schedule.—
Brendan Le,
People.com,
18 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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Posts may leave us questioning our qualifications, competence, and intelligence.—
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez,
Forbes,
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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More Americans than ever own pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which means more of us will have to make tough decisions about an animal's health in the coming years.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
22 Jan. 2025
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Last year was a tough one for job seekers, who on average were unemployed for 23.3 weeks in December, up from 19.4 in December 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 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 30 Jan. 2025.
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