arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms

• adjudicator
• arbiter
• judge
• referee
• umpire

Examples of arbitrator in a Sentence

Both sides agreed to accept a decision by an impartial arbitrator.

the couple finally agreed to let the salesclerk be the final arbitrator and tell them which shirt looked best

Recent Examples on the Web

The three-strong tribunal of former Supreme Court judges Lords Mance and Neuberger and leading international arbitrator Michael Crane was asked to rule on two disputes. —Rob Tanner, New York Times, 20 May 2025

The Wolves didn’t make any moves but still won recently when an arbitrator ruled Monday in favor of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in their long battle with Glen Taylor for ownership of the franchise. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Into the fray is instead galloping an unlikely arbitrator: Gulf States, in particular Saudi Arabia, who are today playing a key though unfamiliar peace-making role. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 May 2025

The grievance process led to a hearing before an arbitrator last year and then a lawsuit that the city will most likely drop as part of the settlement. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin arbitrātor "umpire," from Latin arbitrārī "to consider, judge, arbitrate" + -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arbitrator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt-ər 

: a person chosen to settle differences in a disagreement

Legal Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: an impartial person or group that is given the power by disputing parties to resolve their dispute compare mediator