CONTESTED Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

contested

verb

past tense of contest

as in challenged

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of vowed to contest the claim in court

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contested The causal story is still contested, and honesty requires saying so. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Sep. 2026 Sky has now served Kavanagh with its defense in relation to the severance payment issue, which is being contested at the High Court. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Although the Supreme Court’s power to overrule Congress is now broadly accepted, it was bitterly contested for more than a century. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Still, the reaction illustrates how contested the memory trade has become. — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 The bout ran eight rounds at two minutes each, contested at a super heavyweight limit of 110 kilograms. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The investment comes as militaries are placing greater emphasis on electronic warfare, airborne sensing and the ability to operate in environments where communications and radar systems may be contested. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Japan’s royal succession depends on a archaic and highly contested law, despite a wealth of women who would be eligible to rule under different circumstances. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 First contested in 1881, the US Open is the second-oldest tournament in the Grand Slam, behind only Wimbledon. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contested

Verb

Davis’ defense attorney, Michael Sanft, challenged jurors to identify evidence outside Davis’ own statements that placed him in Las Vegas or inside the Cadillac on the night Shakur was shot.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenged

Verb

He was initially detained and questioned then released from Bahamian custody in April.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Several election officials and government advocates have questioned how quickly the Postal Service can stand up the systems necessary to ensure the rule can be followed for this election.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of questioned

Verb

But the person familiar with the investigation disputed the prosecutor’s characterization, saying the civil rights probe is continuing and there has been no final decision on whether to bring additional charges.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Its exact definition is disputed, with views among AI researchers divided.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of disputed

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contestations

contested

contesting

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“Contested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contested. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contested

verb

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