Synonyms of referee

referee 1 of 2

noun

ˌre-fə-ˈrē 

as in umpire

a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy

served as the unofficial referee in disputes over the family business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• umpire
• judge
• arbitrator
• moderator
• negotiator
• arbiter
• magistrate
• adjudicator
• jurist
• mediator
• intermediary
• conciliator
• justice
• intermediate
• peacemaker
• troubleshooter
• mediatrix
• reconciler
• decider
• go-between

referee

2 of 2

verb

as in to decide

to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)

their father usually ends up refereeing any disputes concerning use of the big TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decide
• judge
• settle
• determine
• umpire
• adjudicate
• arbitrate
• adjudge
• rule (on)
• resolve
• hear
• consider
• prosecute
• weigh
• conclude
• deem
• deliberate
• ponder
• try
• mediate
• find (for or against)
• negotiate
• moderate
• size up
• redetermine
• rejudge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skirt
• hedge
• equivocate
• pussyfoot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of referee

Noun

His previous spell on the Bernabeu bench was filled with arguments and feuds, with the Portuguese angrily taking on referees, journalists, opposition coaches and even his own players. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The other problem is that the referees addressed that exact question after the game. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

The 46-year-old Slovenian refereed Madrid’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Beyond on-pitch disputes over refereeing calls, life and politics have spilt into the tournament like never before. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 17 July 2026