challenge
noun
a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
had challenged
-
past perfectof challenge.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the build-up during the week, Powell had challenged his players to earn legendary status, knowing that was their long-term reward if they could emerge victorious.
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026
The newspaper had challenged the government requests for phone records of reporters and grand jury testimony as an attempt to "intimidate" the press and filed a motion to have them quashed.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
A coalition of states had challenged the fee, arguing it hurt their ability to staff publicly run universities, schools and healthcare systems.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026
Williams was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday, but Dandridge said he had "challenged the leniency" through a scheme overseen by the Attorney General's office.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
A volunteer lawyer had challenged the intent questions in a desperate appeal but was unsuccessful.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
