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
But an 1899 decision by arbitrators from Britain, Russia and the United States drew the border along the Essequibo River largely in favor of Guyana.
—
ABC News, 10 May 2026
However, there is some talk that the bill, which is set to be taken up by the House this week, could have one of its most important provisions — having a neutral arbitrator hear cases involving teacher terminations — removed.
—Rep. Nick Menapace, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, however, had his case for becoming awards-eligible denied by an independent arbitrator.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Perhaps the league would need to install an arbitrator who could weigh in on punishments if a team objected to a particular fine.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
ABC News, 10 May 2026
However, there is some talk that the bill, which is set to be taken up by the House this week, could have one of its most important provisions — having a neutral arbitrator hear cases involving teacher terminations — removed.
—Rep. Nick Menapace, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, however, had his case for becoming awards-eligible denied by an independent arbitrator.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Perhaps the league would need to install an arbitrator who could weigh in on punishments if a team objected to a particular fine.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrator
Noun
-
In this game, the buzzer represents the whistle of a foul-calling referee.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
With the referee’s back turned, Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Priest.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Cushing, who was 26 at the time, then turned himself in after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
The request was granted three months later by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, according to a filing reviewed by USA TODAY.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the court, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff got into car accidents on their way to the Stade Roland Garros; Hailey Baptiste suffered a season-ending injury; Daniel Vallejo caused controversy with his comments about the umpire and more.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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But the umpires confirmed the home run, coupling Adell with Canseco in numerous social media posts.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrator. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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