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.
Richardson later disputed that narrative,, external indicating he would have been happy to carry on.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
A Nike spokeswoman disputed that, saying Nike established a Sport Research Lab in Shanghai to ensure product innovation is tailored to Chinese consumers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
The 73-year-old president has disputed the amount of money involved and said only $580,000 from the sale of 20 buffaloes to a Sudanese businessman had been stolen.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
In response to questions sent to DHS, Harvilicz and Honey, a DHS spokesperson disputed that they were seeking to use the department’s powers to advantage Trump.
From Salon • May 4, 2026
But it meant that the fact had a peculiar status in English law: once determined, it could never be disputed.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
