DISPUTED Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

disputed 1 of 2

adjective

as in controversial

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disputed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dispute

as in questioned

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir

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as in bickered

to express different opinions about something often angrily hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in debated

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school

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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 disputed

Adjective

The Times reported that months after the disputed 2009 election, the Guards' intelligence division was elevated into an independent organization with Taeb as its first chief. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Ask whether the methodology is published in enough detail to reproduce, and who arbitrates a disputed grade. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The investigation began nearly two months after Sessions supplemented his disputed testimony and was initially based on a letter from two Democratic senators. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 The British military maritime operations center said a tanker was attacked Tuesday in the disputed area. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026 For years, Washington refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president after his disputed 2018 reelection and instead recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s interim president. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Salisbury blamed delays in resolving cases in part on a 2021 law that mandates full trial boards in disputed misconduct complaints involving police officers, even for minor disciplinary infractions. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The Louisville Counter-Claim Here’s where the story gets genuinely interesting for anyone who loves a disputed first. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026 There was violence after the disputed 2025 reelection of 92-year-old Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who first came to power in 1982. — Mathew Schmalz, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026

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 Staff at Variety were taken aback by UTA’s fiery response to the story, and disputed Kramer’s characterization of Donnelly’s behavior towards UTA executives. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 These claims were later disputed by several sources, including her mother and her brother, Donald Hart. — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 Different perspective But Joseph disputed the city’s account of its assistance. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 His family has disputed Homeland Security’s account and says Pirela had applied for asylum and obtained work permits. — Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Salazar’s attorney George Rosenstock said in a statement that it was not disputed that his client shot and killed Clinkunbroomer from a car. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 His family has disputed Homeland Security's account and says Pirela had applied for asylum and obtained work permits. — Laura Turbay, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disputed

Adjective

The Amazing Spider-Man and Social Network actor got candid about portraying the controversial executive who has helped spearhead the AI revolution.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Almost a decade after its release, Reputation has held it spot as Swift’s most controversial record, but the Grammy winner is embracing its legacy.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of controversial

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

King bickered with fans on social media.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Definition of bickered

Verb

Yet, Stella Lefty’s rise has been hotly debated — conversations about nepotism, originality, and TikTok’s influence on the music industry have taken over.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
From Engineer To Operator How much FDE an organization needs versus traditional engineering is already being debated.

— Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of debated

Adjective

The scientific evidence behind that idea, however, is inconclusive.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Two more came out after his death in Los Angeles from two stab wounds to the chest, injuries that seemed self-inflicted though the coroner’s report was inconclusive.

— Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of inconclusive

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

Group argued construction could be irreversible The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is challenging the ballroom, had told the justices that the project would likely become irreversible unless it is stopped now.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of argued

Verb

August and Cuarón discussed whether the project should be animation or live-action, and it was decided the latter is the way to go.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
At the conference Future Travel Experience Global 2022 in Las Vegas, Mike Byrom, Spirit’s then vice president of airport services, discussed the partnership with Springshot and its software.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of discussed

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“Disputed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disputed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of disputed

adjective

verb

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