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Definitions

dare

[dair] / dɛər /
NOUN
challenge, defiance
Synonyms
STRONG
cartel defy provocation stump taunt
VERB
challenge, defy someone
Synonyms
STRONGEST
insult oppose provoke resist taunt threaten
STRONG
beard brave bully confront cope denounce disregard face front goad meet mock scorn spurn
WEAK
call one's bluff face off knock chip off shoulder laugh at make my day muster courage outdare run the gauntlet square off step over the line take one on throw down the gauntlet
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliment help praise
STRONG
approve dodge hide
WEAK
be careful hold back refrain
VERB
take a risk; be courageous
Synonyms
STRONG
adventure attempt brave endanger endeavor gamble hazard presume risk speculate stake try undertake venture
WEAK
be bold go ahead make bold pluck up run the risk take a chance take heart try one's hand
Antonyms
STRONG
abstain ignore
WEAK
be careful hold back refrain

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.

The heat in this dish should register as warmth and pepper — a steady hum — not a dare.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

"Even those who wouldn't dare reveal their political preferences come over and chat with us."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

I guess I’d like to be not quite as underrated — maybe even, dare I say, to be overrated.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Intelligence officials reasoned that the man had to be Oseguera himself, since who else would dare be so familiar with the capo’s girlfriend?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

‘How did you dare? If they’d caught you… ‘ She made the sign of the hand to ward off evil.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver