as in challenged
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
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Recent Examples of contested
The findings have been contested by the school.
—
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Why this matters At a time when the role of money in politics remains deeply contested, such patterns remind Americans that campaign finance is not just a story about donors and interest groups.
—Mayank Kejriwal, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
Citations can also be contested if a motorist feels the citation was unfair.
—Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
In fact, every step has been fiercely contested — particularly the parklets, which many Bay Area cities quickly abandoned after they were born out of necessity in a pandemic era of social distancing and outdoor dining.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
The top 32 drivers in the points standings will complete for $1 million in a bracket-style tournament contested over five races (Sonoma Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway).
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
On the Republican side, only the races for governor and attorney general are contested.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
The exact price of the collection has been contested.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
On the other end, Wembanyama contested a Jalen Brunson jumper and corralled the rebound off the miss.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Why this matters At a time when the role of money in politics remains deeply contested, such patterns remind Americans that campaign finance is not just a story about donors and interest groups.
—Mayank Kejriwal, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
Citations can also be contested if a motorist feels the citation was unfair.
—Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
In fact, every step has been fiercely contested — particularly the parklets, which many Bay Area cities quickly abandoned after they were born out of necessity in a pandemic era of social distancing and outdoor dining.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
The top 32 drivers in the points standings will complete for $1 million in a bracket-style tournament contested over five races (Sonoma Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway).
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
On the Republican side, only the races for governor and attorney general are contested.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 June 2026
The exact price of the collection has been contested.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
On the other end, Wembanyama contested a Jalen Brunson jumper and corralled the rebound off the miss.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contested
Verb
-
Even after his death a decade later, his family kept pushing for a new hearing, which was repeatedly challenged by prosecutors in all three levels of court.—
Yumi Asada,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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Incumbent Jared Moskowitz, whose district was splintered by redistricting, is being challenged by progressive candidate Oliver Larkin in the August primary.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Bay Area schools were again at the forefront of a national debate over parental rights and LGBTQ+ issues Wednesday as Congressional Republicans questioned San Francisco’s schools chief on transgender student policies, ethnic studies and how much say parents should have over classroom instruction.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
-
During the test, Kourtney questioned Khloé about why True doesn't get to stay overnight at her house.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The move is popular, with polls finding 74% support, although the evidence for both the mental health impacts of social media and the efficacy of bans is disputed.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Latourette's attorney argued that his client bought zip ties twice for Smith and had suggested withholding meals but disputed her actions caused the death of the boy.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contested. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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