as in referee
a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy
the dean of student affairs is the proper arbiter when a student disputes a grade
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 arbiter
If the arbiter decides Skubal is worth more than that, he’ll be paid $32 million.
—
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
And from bling to cap, lit, woke and even 6-7, hip-hop is today's verbal arbiter.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
The state becomes both narrator and arbiter of reality.
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
What explains the loss of poise and dignity among the traditional arbiters?
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbiter
Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
And from bling to cap, lit, woke and even 6-7, hip-hop is today's verbal arbiter.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
The state becomes both narrator and arbiter of reality.
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
What explains the loss of poise and dignity among the traditional arbiters?
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbiter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbiter
Noun
-
But the referee called Malango for a foul leading to the pass to Rodriguez.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The referees quickly flagged it for goaltending, and with it, Hall set the program record for most points in a season by a freshman.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lesli Boese told the judge Thursday that Casap was too dangerous to ever be released from prison.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Justice Department told a federal appeals court that judges who blocked executive orders sanctioning several law firms had infringed on the president’s authority.—
Mark Berman,
Washington Post,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, home plate umpire Chris Guccione had to wait to hear from the technician in the press box and then announce the result of the challenge.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Especially in an era when fans can look at a rectangular box on their TV and tell if the umpire is right.—
Kevin Sherrington
Mar. 9,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In February 2026, an arbitrator found that the publication of the report cards violated the CBA with the league and ordered the NFLPA to refrain from publishing or publicly disclosing any future report cards.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
An arbitrator overturned the police chief’s decision in 2015.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbiter. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
