disputed
Americanadjective
-
argued or debated about.
Just when and where the religious practice of the “camp meeting” originated is a disputed question.
-
argued against; called into question.
He stood by his widely disputed claim that margarine is better for you than butter.
-
quarreled or fought over; contested.
As negotiations continue, the security situation in the disputed territories is tense and shows signs of escalating.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disputed
First recorded in 1605–15; dispute ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; dispute ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Navy has acknowledged mental health cases but disputed reports that the ship is experiencing a broader crisis.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
Some of his claims about his personal life, including that he once ran 30 marathons in 35 days and raised millions for charities, were also disputed.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
Pope Alexander II may therefore have supported William for reasons that went well beyond Harold's disputed claim to the English throne.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
When Knight disputed the charge, StubHub told her the tickets she had received were valid and declined to issue a refund.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
I thought of those twenty times and soon disputed that “fact.”
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
