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

When reached postgame, head referee of the contest Alan Eck explained where his eyes were. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026

The referees did not signal a touchdown, had a discussion and ruled an inadvertent whistle. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Verb

Without an internal number, a company is refereeing a fight among people who profit from the fight. — Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Barton officiated the France-Spain match, while American Ismail Elfath refereed the England-Argentina match. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026