contested

American  

[kuhn-tes-tid] / kənˈtɛs tɪd /

adjective

1. battled; fought.

   Bates pulled off the win, 82–79, in a tightly contested matchup.

2. involving a disagreement or dispute.

   The waiting period for a contested divorce has been reduced to 12 months.

3. being fought over; in dispute.

   The contested land is located 30 kilometers south of the city.

   At times, the parties may not come to an agreement, or they may only agree on some of the contested issues.

4. involving more than one candidate.

   Congressional redistricting and a contested Senate seat led to a series of competitive Michigan primaries on Tuesday.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of contest.

Other Word Forms

• uncontested adjective
• uncontestedly adverb
• well-contested adjective

Etymology

Origin of contested

contest ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Oil prices dropped sharply Wednesday after a volatile day of trading as investors assessed the likelihood of war ending and of tanker traffic resuming through a contested waterway.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Mr. Wurman also shows that the status of temporary sojourners was contested by the 19th century.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

But he also stresses that overwhelming participation and public organizing are the ultimate backstops if election results are contested.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Investors would do well to remember that in contested transactions, restraint can generate as much long-term value as expansion.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

I contested the divorce and was granted full custody of the children.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• debated