dares
/dɛrz/
NOUN
1. Challenges that test courage
Acts or challenges that require someone to demonstrate courage, boldness, or willingness to take risks.
1.1. Challenges requiring bravery
Tasks or challenges intended to test whether someone is brave enough to do something difficult, frightening, or risky.
Synonyms
- challenges
- tests of courage
- provocations
Examples
- The children exchanged dares during the sleepover.
- Some of the dares were so frightening that nobody wanted to attempt them.
Related Words
- adventures
- risks
- trials
- ordeals
1.2. Acts of boldness and defiance
Displays of courage, audacity, or defiance in which someone refuses to be intimidated or restrained.
Synonyms
- acts of defiance
- acts of boldness
- displays of courage
- acts of audacity
Examples
- Her dares to challenge unfair rules inspired the other students.
- The novel celebrates the dares and bold decisions of its rebellious characters.
Related Words
- boldness
- bravery
- courage
- venturesomeness
VERB
2. Having the courage or audacity to act
Shows sufficient courage or confidence to do something difficult, risky, or intimidating.
2.1. Having the courage to do something
Being brave or confident enough to attempt an action despite possible danger, difficulty, or fear.
Synonyms
- braves
- ventures
- risks
- undertakes
Antonyms
- avoids
- dodges
- shirks
- evades
Examples
- She dares to speak openly about problems that others prefer to ignore.
- He dares to venture into unfamiliar territory in search of new opportunities.
Related Words
- bolds
- attempts
- proceeds
- perseveres
2.2. Challenging or defying someone
Provoking someone to do something difficult or confronting them with a challenge that tests their courage or ability.
Synonyms
- challenges
- defies
- confronts
- faces
Antonyms
- avoids
- shuns
- sidesteps
- shirks
Examples
- He dares his opponent to prove that the accusation is true.
- The coach dares the team to perform beyond its usual limits.
Related Words
2.3. Facing danger or difficulty
Confronting a threatening, unpleasant, or challenging situation instead of avoiding or retreating from it.
Synonyms
- faces
- confronts
- encounters
- stands up to
- withstands
Antonyms
- avoids
- dodges
- escapes
- evades
Examples
- She dares to face the difficult truth about her past.
- The explorers dare to confront the dangers of the wilderness.