as in referees
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
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Recent Examples of arbitrators
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, 4 May 2026
Employers — and ultimately their workers — cannot pay the bills that the arbitrators are awarding.
—James Gelfand, STAT, 20 Mar. 2026
The Federal Arbitration Act and other laws instruct judges to give substantial deference to arbitrators.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Most people believe justice happens in the courtroom, where neutral arbitrators weigh facts before the public.
—Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
Over the course of a single day, multiple cases unfold as claimants and defendants face off with the support of barristers and independent arbitrators.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
In 46% of those cases, arbitrators ordered police agencies to rehire officers who had been fired.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Foreign investors view the involvement of independent arbitrators as crucial to guard against future expropriation.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Skubal’s salary was decided by a three-person panel of independent arbitrators after a Wednesday hearing in Arizona.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
ABC News, 4 May 2026
Employers — and ultimately their workers — cannot pay the bills that the arbitrators are awarding.
—James Gelfand, STAT, 20 Mar. 2026
The Federal Arbitration Act and other laws instruct judges to give substantial deference to arbitrators.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Most people believe justice happens in the courtroom, where neutral arbitrators weigh facts before the public.
—Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
Over the course of a single day, multiple cases unfold as claimants and defendants face off with the support of barristers and independent arbitrators.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
In 46% of those cases, arbitrators ordered police agencies to rehire officers who had been fired.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Foreign investors view the involvement of independent arbitrators as crucial to guard against future expropriation.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Skubal’s salary was decided by a three-person panel of independent arbitrators after a Wednesday hearing in Arizona.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbitrators
Noun
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Red cards would also be given to players who leave the field because of issues with referees' rulings, the board said in a second rule change.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
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The game in Italy is still haunted by Calciopoli, the crisis two decades ago that, among other things, shone an unflattering light on the power and influence behind the appointment of referees in Serie A.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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During the legal dispute between family members, three judges recused themselves, Swartz reported at the time.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
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Though judges make determinations on what type of evidence a jury will hear, their rulings are typically open to the public, an important measure for transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Noun
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Running out bad home-plate umpires might actually end up being a smart business decision by Major League Baseball.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
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For a few seconds, everyone at Progressive Field — players, umpires, fans, cotton candy vendors — stared at the video board, awaiting the handy diagram that would determine whether the Cleveland Guardians’ lead was in jeopardy.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbitrators. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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