Meaning & use

contested

adjective·Academic

Disputed or challenged by opposing parties, especially in an election, argument, or legal case.

See it in a sentence

The election results were hotly contested, leading to a lengthy recount.

Ownership of the painting remained contested for decades before the court ruled.

A note on using this word

Contested implies active disagreement between two or more sides, not simply that something is uncertain or unclear.

Words with a similar meaning

disputedchallenged

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

uncontested

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