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.
Wildlife conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra, who led the pro bono public interest case, told AFP her petition had challenged state governments "supporting horrifically cruel practices".
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 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
Lyukshin did not respond to our questions, but hours after contacting him, a propaganda channel we had challenged him on disappeared.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 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
At one o’clock in the morning, a square-jawed private arrived at the barracks, roused Captain Babushkinov, and informed him that the furious general had challenged him to a duel.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
