Dispute some near guesses (5)
I believe the answer is:
argue
'dispute' is the definition.
(to argue something is to dispute or contest it)
'some near guesses' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'ARGUE' can be found hidden inside 'near guesses'.
(Other definitions for argue that I've seen before include "Dispute - debate" , "Dispute heatedly" , "Quarrel, row" , "express disagreement" , "Debate, contend" .)