Definition of arbitratornext
as in referee
a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy the couple finally agreed to let the salesclerk be the final arbitrator and tell them which shirt looked best

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of arbitrator The difficulty of challenging an arbitrator’s award sometimes dissuades the losing party from spending the time and money necessary to mount a viable challenge. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Most people believe justice happens in the courtroom, where neutral arbitrators weigh facts before the public. Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 But Reynolds provided nothing in writing to substantiate any of these concerns, the arbitrator determined. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026 An arbitrator overturned the police chief’s decision in 2015. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrator
Noun
  • After a video review, the referee ruled the stick was at or below the cross bar.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Kukar was referee for two Super Bowls and alternate for another during his 22-year NFL career.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Trever Nehls was also defeated in a 2022 race for Fort Bend County judge by three percentage points.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • When the populist demagogue Willie Stark orders Burden, journalist turned gumshoe, to dig up dirt on a local judge, Burden demurs; certainly there are no skeletons in the office of the good judge.
    Brenda Wineapple, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The game featured 11 ABS challenges to plate umpire Andy Fletcher's strike zone, with the Twins going 8 for 9 — including four successful challenges by Ryan Jeffers while batting.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Yankees went a perfect 5-for-5 with ABS challenges in Monday’s 2-1 walk-off loss to the Mariners, but that didn’t stop Boone and company from barking at home plate umpire Mike Estabrook.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrator. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on arbitrator

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster