disputed; disputing
: to engage in argument : debate
especially
: to argue irritably or with irritating persistence
1
a
: to make the subject of verbal controversy or disputation
Legislators hotly disputed the bill.
b
: to call into question or cast doubt upon
Her honesty was never disputed.
The witness disputed the defendant's claim.
2
a
: to struggle against : oppose
disputed the advance of the invaders
b
: to contend over
disputing ownership of the land
disputer
noun
dis·pute
di-ˈspyüt 
ˈdi-ˌspyüt
ˈdi-ˌspyüt
Synonyms
Examples of dispute in a Sentence
Verb
You can dispute your bill if you believe it is inaccurate.
These estimates are hotly disputed by scientists.
No one ever disputed that it was the right decision.
The source of the text has been disputed for centuries.
a part of the city where two drug gangs are disputing territory
Noun
They could not settle their dispute.
There is a labor dispute between workers and management.
The two farmers are involved in a land dispute.
Recent Examples on the Web
K.j. Yossman, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Just how important a role the boycotts played in ending apartheid is disputed.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The paper trail is your best defense in case of disputes later on.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispute 
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Verb
After Wanda disputed the valuation, the parties agreed to instruct an accountant to come to a mutually-agreeable figure.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Just how important a role the boycotts played in ending apartheid is disputed.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
In noting that any outcome of the trial would be appealed by the losing side, Ezra effectively acknowledged Abbott's assertion at the start of the legal dispute.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The paper trail is your best defense in case of disputes later on.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispute
Dictionary Entries Near dispute
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispute. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispute
2 of 2 noun1
2
: an angry difference of opinion : quarrel
Legal Definition
dispute
1 of 2 verb
dis·pute
di-ˈspyüt
disputed; disputing
: to engage in a dispute
disputing with management over contract terms
: to engage in a dispute over
disputing the correct application of the contract provision
especially
: to oppose by argument or assertion
disputed changes to the grievance procedure
dispute
2 of 2 noun
: an assertion of opposing views or claims : a disagreement as to rights
especially
: one that is the subject of proceedings for resolution (as arbitration)
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