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 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 The ads’ claims of calamity are certain to be contested by the union backing the tax, SEIU United Healthworkers West. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 If the findings are contested then a hearing will be scheduled and Bleazard will be allowed to question the psychiatrist or psychologist who submitted the report. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026 Reese kept attacking her, kept getting turned away and then got the one layup nobody contested after the result had already been decided. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Indeed, conservatives’ grip on power remains deeply contested and contingent. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 Haaland had already crossed for Nico O’Reilly to head what proved to be the winner and, despite not scoring himself, had 43 touches, his most in a Premier League game, and contested a career-high 12 duels. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 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

Reddington disputed the prosecution’s take on the elastic workout bands Clancy used to strangle her children.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
If that disputed relief materializes, officials say the district’s cash could last until April, providing additional runway to identify longer-term solutions.

— Chaewon Chung Updated August 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contested

verb

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