DARE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

dare

verb

ˈder

Definition of dare

as in to challenge

to invite (someone) to take part in a contest or to perform a feat I dare you to repeat that to my face! he dared his friend to race to the end of the block

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to confront

to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage every day the old fisherman dared the elements to make his meager living

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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 dare Even an ordinary staircase practically dares you to stare at it long enough to convince yourself something moved. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 What little furniture Frank did use in his own home and in those of his daring clientele followed a similar ethos, which some speculate was his extreme spin on the streamlined 18th-century furniture of Louis XVI, undergoing a resurgence at the time. — Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026 Angelonia varieties such as Angelface are daring vertical beauties that adore sunshine. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dare

Verb

Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Porter has staked his claim as the starter opposite Stokes, though rookies McCoy and Masses should continue to challenge him for that role throughout the season.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenge

Verb

Routliffe and Glasspool will face wild-card pair Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams, while Errani and Vavassori will take on Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
GLP-1s aren’t covered Patients like La Marca are left in a tough spot, qualifying for Part D coverage of a GLP-1 but facing much higher cost sharing.

— Jackie Fortiér, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of face

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dappling

dare

dared

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“Dare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dare. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dare

verb

Example Sentences

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