disputed

American

[dih-spyoo-tid] / dɪˈspju tɪd /

adjective

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

the simple past tense and past participle of dispute.

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.

Brown admitted some culpability before the trial began, but he disputed the extent of Maria's injuries and argued that she was partially at fault for the incident.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

Ahead of the sentencing, Guo’s defense team disputed the government’s valuation of losses he caused as “flawed arithmetic” and cited his continued support from many the government described as victims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

McAfee disputed his farm’s connection to many of the outbreaks, including this one.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

But Lebanon's health ministry disputed that, saying the vast majority of those killed were civilians.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

"People discussed, disputed, and imagined alternative political and economic orders," wrote the historian Melvyn Leffler.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023