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 intellectual developments that flowed out of that period are fascinating, if also highly contested.
—
Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Advertisement This is most visible in China’s posture toward the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait—two flashpoints where sovereignty and security interests are contested by countries such as Japan and the Philippines.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
And this year, four of those districts have contested elections — in Shoshone, Madison and Caribou counties.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The question of whether ME/CFS is a distinct biological disease or a psychosomatic problem has been contested for decades; the medical community’s interest in long COVID can depend, too, on whether it’s regarded as an illness or a disease.
—Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
Sunny Hills took a 2-0 lead in the match by winning the first two sets, which were both tightly contested.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
The global outbreak of the coronavirus and its painful memories are very much at the forefront of peoples minds here in Tenerife, where local leaders have vehemently contested the disembarkation, and some of the local population has gathered in protest over the past few days.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
The top three earn an automatic place in next season's Champions League and the last spot will be contested by Lille, Lyon and Rennes next Sunday.
—ABC News, 10 May 2026
Since 1950, it has traditionally been contested two weeks after the Kentucky Derby on the third Saturday in May.
—Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Advertisement This is most visible in China’s posture toward the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait—two flashpoints where sovereignty and security interests are contested by countries such as Japan and the Philippines.
—Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
And this year, four of those districts have contested elections — in Shoshone, Madison and Caribou counties.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The question of whether ME/CFS is a distinct biological disease or a psychosomatic problem has been contested for decades; the medical community’s interest in long COVID can depend, too, on whether it’s regarded as an illness or a disease.
—Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
Sunny Hills took a 2-0 lead in the match by winning the first two sets, which were both tightly contested.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
The global outbreak of the coronavirus and its painful memories are very much at the forefront of peoples minds here in Tenerife, where local leaders have vehemently contested the disembarkation, and some of the local population has gathered in protest over the past few days.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
The top three earn an automatic place in next season's Champions League and the last spot will be contested by Lille, Lyon and Rennes next Sunday.
—ABC News, 10 May 2026
Since 1950, it has traditionally been contested two weeks after the Kentucky Derby on the third Saturday in May.
—Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contested
Verb
-
Creeden’s attorney, Andino Reynal, challenged Stapp’s testimony that the union’s constitution requires expenses to be approved by the international president and the secretary-treasurer.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
-
The friend threw a glass bottle at Sowells, who then pulled out a sharp object and challenged him to a fight.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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For years, athletes and parents who questioned transgender participation in women’s sports were often labeled transphobic.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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Lawmakers at a recent hearing backed up clean energy advocates’ proposal, and questioned why the state would end a successful program in favor of one that has produced less energy capacity or has yet to be created.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
However, Samsung's workers' union disputed the impact of the strikes, saying in a statement that previous production pauses had occurred for equipment inspection, maintenance and process adjustments.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
Laws concerning how police obtain search warrants are complex and often disputed in criminal cases.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contested. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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