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
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Recent Examples of arbitrator
The fate of the deputies now lies with an arbitrator.
—
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In a memo sent to players Saturday, the NFLPA also disagreed with how a provision in the collective bargaining agreement discouraging public criticism was applied to the arbitrator’s ruling.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The arbitrator was moved by his story but ruled against him anyway, denying him his last chance for a win of any kind at this year’s Olympics.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Caproni’s order repeatedly emphasized that arbitration must allow its participants to vindicate their rights, and that Goodell or a designee of his choosing serving as the arbitrator is inconsistent with that requirement.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In a memo sent to players Saturday, the NFLPA also disagreed with how a provision in the collective bargaining agreement discouraging public criticism was applied to the arbitrator’s ruling.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The arbitrator was moved by his story but ruled against him anyway, denying him his last chance for a win of any kind at this year’s Olympics.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Caproni’s order repeatedly emphasized that arbitration must allow its participants to vindicate their rights, and that Goodell or a designee of his choosing serving as the arbitrator is inconsistent with that requirement.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrator
Noun
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Cernak grabbed Tkachuk, the two shared a few expletives, and a referee blew his whistle.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
21 Feb. 2026
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For the first time in a year, the Supreme Court just played referee in a big way.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The defense attorney has told the judge that Dratman and Fischer failed to call up a witness who gave investigators an alibi for Serafini on the day his wife’s parents were shot.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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The judge's order prohibits officials from preparing for the referendum through March 18.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But starting this season, it will be used at the major league level, giving players the chance to appeal an umpire’s ball-strike call.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
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And without an umpire watching closely — or without video evidence — that kind of infraction can be difficult to spot.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrator. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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