as in umpires
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 judges
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
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 referees
Adam Davis, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
After a long video review, the referees apparently couldn’t confirm that Manson actually landed the butt-end.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Afterward, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson blamed the referees for not protecting Wembanyama by calling fouls when the play got physical.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Their only hope was to get the referees on their side.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
The defining sequence came late, with Dubois stacking accuracy and timing into the kind of sustained assault referees step in to stop.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Brown clashed with referees several times during the regular season.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026
Upon review, the referees upgraded the foul to a flagrant-1.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
Over days, referees compared petition signatures against photocopies — generally years-old signatures from when voters first registered.
—Adam Davis, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
After a long video review, the referees apparently couldn’t confirm that Manson actually landed the butt-end.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Afterward, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson blamed the referees for not protecting Wembanyama by calling fouls when the play got physical.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Their only hope was to get the referees on their side.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
The defining sequence came late, with Dubois stacking accuracy and timing into the kind of sustained assault referees step in to stop.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Brown clashed with referees several times during the regular season.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026
Upon review, the referees upgraded the foul to a flagrant-1.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees
Noun
-
The umpires alert all players as Royals bench coach Paul Hoover places a phone call.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
-
He was also remembered for his cartoonish crashouts and the 141 times umpires ejected him during his Braves tenure.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reacted to Seacrest’s on-air announcement with a mix of shock and confusion.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In episode three, Mary judges Eleanor pretty harshly for her choices with Robert.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So in that sense, a lot of what clipping does is help good artists find the audiences who would’ve liked them anyway by accelerating the early excitement just enough to push them past the algorithmic threshold that decides who gets discovered and who doesn’t.—
Lane Brown,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
-
And the audience, Hammond has come to understand, is ultimately the one who decides.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The general election determines officeholders for statewide positions, including for Georgia governor and lieutenant governor, both of which have no incumbents running.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
If Hoskins determines that the referendum does not qualify for the ballot, that decision is also poised to spark another round of legal battles to decide the fate of the campaign.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Venturella’s appointment comes as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin settles into his role atop the Cabinet agency overseeing ICE.—
Heather Hollingsworth,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
There will be both winners and losers when the dust settles.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
