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
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
However, the status of that disciplinary proceeding was unclear, as the Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether officers like Spilotro who face serious misconduct cases have the right to ask an independent arbitrator, rather than the Police Board, decide their fate.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
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
However, the status of that disciplinary proceeding was unclear, as the Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether officers like Spilotro who face serious misconduct cases have the right to ask an independent arbitrator, rather than the Police Board, decide their fate.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrator
Noun
-
Atkinson whipped his arm against the nearby referee before the whistle was blown.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Tucked in among all of the many things that Pep Guardiola has got off his chest about referees over the past couple of weeks was a very small detail that might explain an awful lot.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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On Wednesday, the Manhattan district attorney's office urged the judge in that case to schedule a July 1 trial date.—
MICHAEL R. SISAK,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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Reilly argued that the judge handling the civil proceedings never evaluated the complaint as potentially falling under an ordinary negligence claim.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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By the time the umpire relocated to the offensive backfield, the play clock was under five seconds, and Denver’s operation was under stress.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Smith’s crew is set to include Roy Ellison (umpire), Eugene Hall (side judge), Greg Steed (back judge), Dana McKenzie (down judge), Julian Mapp (line judge), Jason Ledet (field judge) and Andrew Lambert (replay official).—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrator. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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