as in umpire
a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy
served as the unofficial referee in disputes over the family business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to decide
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)
their father usually ends up refereeing any disputes concerning use of the big TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of referee
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
But his temper and arrogance were equally unparalleled, constantly leading him to argue with authority figures, from referees to his own managers.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
His displeasure over certain refereeing decisions has gotten the Boston star ejected from one game and fined $35,000 after another.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referee
Noun
Herman’s father and the other lawyer at The Herman Law Group, Bruce Herman, wants a review of the referee’s report that recommended the state Supreme Court slap him with a six-month suspension.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
But his temper and arrogance were equally unparalleled, constantly leading him to argue with authority figures, from referees to his own managers.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Verb
After the first free throw, Doncic walked over and spoke to referee Sean Corbin.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
His displeasure over certain refereeing decisions has gotten the Boston star ejected from one game and fined $35,000 after another.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referee
Noun
-
Teams were successful in all four of their ABS challenges to plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
-
According to locals, a coach for a team out of Moscow, Idaho, approached the umpire over the walk-up music being played by the opposing team's parents.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Daniella Segura California is weeks away from its June primary, in which voters will decide which gubernatorial candidates will face off in the November general election.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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This is the third time Weinstein has been tried for a charge of third-degree rape; Judge Curtis Farber gave prosecutors 30 days to decide whether he will be tried a fourth time.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The appeals court that ordered a trial court to reconsider Peters' sentence said the trial judge's consideration of her belief in the existence of 2020 election fraud went beyond what was relevant to sentencing her.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
The jury in Harvey Weinstein‘s rape trial in New York has deadlocked, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Check the facts, ask one clarifying question, and let real information settle your nervous system.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
In a social media era rife with mouthwatering food content, kids will no longer settle for a drab school meal.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Verb
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This time, the director was determined not to cut corners, to make a film as maximalist as his imagination.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
The choice is vast, yet experienced brokers are quick to point out that specifications alone rarely determine a successful charter.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
The tax mechanism, called a Community Infrastructure District, wound up at the center of a court battle that took years to adjudicate.—
Mark Dee
May 15,
Idaho Statesman,
15 May 2026
-
Fully funding immigration judges and Border Patrol to ensure asylum cases are quickly and fairly adjudicated while stopping real crime such as drug and human trafficking.—
Rachel Royster
May 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the leaders reported that the core business of the guild — paying residuals, arbitrating credit disputes, and so on — continues, though the guild’s offices, theater and library remain closed.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Google mass arbitration may be the first to seek to represent corporate plaintiffs, as most of the group legal proceedings to date have sought to arbitrate consumer or labor-related claims.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referee. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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