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

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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 Beyond the technical plumbing of payments, ACP effectively positions ChatGPT as a new arbiter of product recommendations. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025 Eason appealed his firing, which was reviewed by an independent arbiter under the terms of his union’s contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Rafael Olmeda, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 Carr, who apparently reacted to Kimmel's suspension last week by sending a GIF of TV characters doing a celebratory dance to a journalist, yesterday described his role at the FCC as that of a dispassionate arbiter. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025 Washington has the capacity to end Moscow’s claim to be the region’s arbiter—an instrument the Russians have used for years to try to exert control over both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arbiter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbiter
Noun
  • The referee threw a flag on Greenlaw.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The emotions as referee Thomas Bramall blew the final whistle, confirming Wrexham’s first defeat in five Championship games, provided a stark contrast.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And a federal judge last week ordered federal agents to begin wearing their own body cameras this week.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The moving performance brought Robert to tears, along with judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, and Terri also appeared visibly emotional throughout.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The umpire called Robinson safe, while Berra animatedly disagreed.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Raducanu saw the man during her match against Karolína Muchová, approaching the chair umpire in tears during the second game.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When things get fuzzy about what a child’s needs actually are, or parents feel they are being ignored, OSEP can help parents learn what their options are, and then can even become involved and serve as an arbitrator to figure out the best course of action.
    Joshua Cowen, The Conversation, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Phillips and the automaker went back and forth over the vehicle, with the arbitrator settling on a repurchase agreement that Phillips thought was unfair.
    Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Arbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbiter. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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