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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 referee
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In the 58th minute, Son danced around Costa Rican referee Keylor Herrera in the LAFC half and found the winger at midfield with room in front of him.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
In November, California voters may have to referee a multimillion-dollar battle among Uber, attorneys and doctors.
—Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referee
Noun
So everything looks like a real game, just without terrible rec league referees.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In the 58th minute, Son danced around Costa Rican referee Keylor Herrera in the LAFC half and found the winger at midfield with room in front of him.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
With each witness, Guillard — in her role as her own attorney — challenged their testimony in sometimes testy back-and-forths that had to be refereed by the judge and court staff.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
In November, California voters may have to referee a multimillion-dollar battle among Uber, attorneys and doctors.
—Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referee
Noun
-
Blue Jays manager John Schneider was ejected in the top of the fifth for arguing with plate umpire Dan Merzel after a balk by Gausman.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Perhaps pitchers and umpires are simply adjusting to the new technology, and by midsummer any early kinks will be forgotten.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chicago has a 13-32 record in games decided by at least 10 points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
What Santa Clara County decides in the coming months will not stay within our borders.—
Maria Noel Fernandez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The judge ultimately came to the temporary decision of Mortensen being granted temporary custody for Ever with supervised visits for Paul — an arrangement that will last until a second hearing on April 30 to discuss competing protective orders filed by Paul and Mortensen.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But then federal prosecutors appealed a judge's decision granting him bond with electronic monitoring, and the judge agreed Friday to put it on hold while that appeal plays out.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While the daily hustle is just beginning for many, evidenced by the amount of foot traffic spotted passing by through the glass windows of the hotel’s restaurant, Jeff Peterson settles in to momentarily enjoy the Hornets’ metamorphosis and enthusiasm engulfing the franchise.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The ball bounced back toward the hole and ended up settling off the green.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The group also may simulate visits during these evaluations, to determine how the dogs and handlers deal with certain situations.—
Mikayla Bunnell,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Only the first four picks of the draft are determined by the lottery drawing, with the rest of the first round determined by inverse order of record.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Coffey opened a special court in a homeless shelter so homeless people facing misdemeanors could have their cases adjudicated.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The State Department said that all visa applications will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis by officers.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Khalid Hamideh, a local attorney who has worked with the tribunal, said the group arbitrates in civil family matters as well as in contractual disputes.—
Isabella Volmert,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Who is or is not punk rock is still something Love and Corgan deny Gordon the right to arbitrate.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referee. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
