arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms of arbitrator

• referee
• judge
• 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 ruling rejected the league’s attempt to force Flores into arbitration, which would have had Commissioner Roger Goodell serve as the arbitrator. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Jan. 2026

O’Foghludha noted that Duke and Mensah agreed to arbitrate a dispute, but that no arbitrator has yet been assigned. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The arbitrator likely would have the power to compel UCLA to remain at the Rose Bowl, Korobkin said, meaning the Rose Bowl would not be put in a disadvantageous position should the case be moved out of court. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026

If the arbitrator sides with the Tigers’ $19 million figure, Skubal would be paid even less than Martinez was in 2025 and significantly less than Cease. —Jim Bowden, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

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