1
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
an exceptionally challenging brainteaser
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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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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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
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
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
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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He’s got some difficult questions to answer but the team has had five weeks to prepare for this moment.Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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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
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Business has been especially tough for foreign brands in China, where electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD are leading the way as demand grows for less polluting vehicles.AFP, Fortune Asia, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products.Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024
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Health experts recommend rigorous hygiene practices like washing your hands during this time to minimize the spread.George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
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 9 Jan. 2025.
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