Definition of arbitratornext
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

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 arbitrator San José State University must reinstate Sang Hea Kil, a professor who was fired for her pro-Palestinian activism in 2025, after an arbitrator decided the school went too far in her firing. Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 Commissioner Rob Manfred originally issued Bauer an unprecedented 324-game suspension, which an independent arbitrator later reduced to 192 games. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 The players union and Rozier again filed a grievance; the arbitrator ruled for the NBA. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Ultimately, an arbitrator ruled in Netflix's favor in May 2024 and ordered Rinsch to pay the company $9 million in damages, per The New York Times. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for arbitrator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrator
Noun
  • After the miss, Mbappé went to the referee to complain about the delay.
    Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • The Daily News Editorial Board should read the New York Post to learn that everything was done in accordance with FIFA rules, and why the use of the video assistant referee to determine intent was against the rules.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Immediately after the prosecutor finished his closing argument, the judge found Broadwater guilty without leaving the bench to deliberate.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 14 July 2026
  • After the judge left the bench, promising a ruling by day’s end, India blew kisses to Banks as he was led away, back into custody.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Look, this isn't about Jen Pawol being a female umpire, so save it.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026
  • When a second serve of his was called out to go down 4-2 in the fourth — this was pre-electronic line calling, and even the famous challenge system — Ivanišević raged at the umpire and kicked the net in frustration.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 12 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrator. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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