as in challenged
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contested
The Poway girls had the advantage on the mat, winning five of the nine matches actually contested, scoring four pins and a one-sided major decision.
—
Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Certainly there will be some discussion this weekend of classic games contested inside Allen Fieldhouse.
—Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026
The long-term outlook is now contested by concerns regarding the sustainability of Macao's recovery.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent events suggest that the gaping hole where the East Wing once was may lie there exposed, undeveloped, and contested for quite some time.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
The detective’s version of what Troy said that afternoon, however, would in time be hotly contested.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Almost every shot Jimenez took was contested.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
Although those claims are hotly contested, R1’s debut sent markets reeling and frissons through Silicon Valley.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
An attorney for the family said Liam's father appears to lack a criminal record, an allegation DHS has not yet contested.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Certainly there will be some discussion this weekend of classic games contested inside Allen Fieldhouse.
—Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026
The long-term outlook is now contested by concerns regarding the sustainability of Macao's recovery.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent events suggest that the gaping hole where the East Wing once was may lie there exposed, undeveloped, and contested for quite some time.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
The detective’s version of what Troy said that afternoon, however, would in time be hotly contested.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Almost every shot Jimenez took was contested.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
Although those claims are hotly contested, R1’s debut sent markets reeling and frissons through Silicon Valley.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
An attorney for the family said Liam's father appears to lack a criminal record, an allegation DHS has not yet contested.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contested
Verb
-
Last year, the IRS proposed settling a lawsuit brought by the National Religious Broadcasters, an evangelical Christian media group, and two Texas churches that challenged a ban on most nonprofits from endorsing political candidates in elections.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The controversy comes after competitors of CMDSS challenged the initial decision by the Marshals Service to award the contract, claiming the firm lacked appropriate credentials from the SEC and that its employment of a former staffer from the agency created a conflict of interest.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hypnotists questioned the children who were with Shannon that afternoon.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
5 Feb. 2026
-
While Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told lawmakers on the record the streamer is about a 45-day exclusive theatrical window for movies, many rival studio sources have questioned the streaming boss’ intent.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Noem accused Pretti of being a domestic terrorist and brandishing a weapon before he was shot, a claim disputed by bystander footage of the incident.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Colombo disputed claims from federal authorities that Wedding had been in hiding out in Mexico.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contested. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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