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

Scott made it to her feet and was allowed to continue, which wasn't the greatest decision by the referee. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Moroccan referee Ismail Elfath, who oversaw four World Cup matches, including a semifinal pitting Argentina and England, checked the play on the monitor and pointed to the spot. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

The agency in charge of refereeing disciplinary cases for California state workers was called into question this month when the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sued the State Personnel Board. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

Weeks before her 40th birthday, Penso became the first American woman – and the second woman ever – to referee a men’s World Cup match. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026