as in umpires
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 judges
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
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Recent Examples of referees
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama had tripped over his shoelace, the referees determined.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
In the game's final seconds, Auriemma, 72, was caught on camera getting into an argument with Staley, 55, leading referees to blow whistles.
—Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
There are lessons to be learned from the two disputes, as female referees seek employment opportunities in pro and college sports.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Ayers is not among the 11 referees who were selected to officiate the Final Four games in Indianapolis, Ind.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
And that comes down to the coach, Hurley, who gets most attention for his sideline arguing with referees to fight for his team.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
That leaves Adam’s family wondering how many other referees officiating matches across the country are in the same position.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Dozens of people signed up to volunteer, including as referees and coaches.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
So everything looks like a real game, just without terrible rec league referees.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama had tripped over his shoelace, the referees determined.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
In the game's final seconds, Auriemma, 72, was caught on camera getting into an argument with Staley, 55, leading referees to blow whistles.
—Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
There are lessons to be learned from the two disputes, as female referees seek employment opportunities in pro and college sports.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Ayers is not among the 11 referees who were selected to officiate the Final Four games in Indianapolis, Ind.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
And that comes down to the coach, Hurley, who gets most attention for his sideline arguing with referees to fight for his team.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
That leaves Adam’s family wondering how many other referees officiating matches across the country are in the same position.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Dozens of people signed up to volunteer, including as referees and coaches.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees
Noun
-
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
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So why do it that way instead of how umpires have historically constructed their zones?—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reacted to Seacrest’s on-air announcement with a mix of shock and confusion.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In episode three, Mary judges Eleanor pretty harshly for her choices with Robert.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What Santa Clara County decides in the coming months will not stay within our borders.—
Maria Noel Fernandez,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Set in New Jersey, the story follows an ethnically and religiously confusing family fronted by hardware store owner Linda (Laurie Metcalf), who decides after the death of her mother to run for mayor of their midsized town.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Natural gas, which determines 70% to 90% of the cost of producing nitrogen fertilizer, has seen a 20% drop in production due to the war and price increases up to 70%.—
Aya S. Chacar,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
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Natural gas, which determines 70% to 90% of the cost of producing nitrogen fertilizer, has seen a 20% drop in production due to the war and price increases up to 70%.—
Aya S. Chacar,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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The temperamental Moon settles into your 4th House of Home Improvement, forming a steady trine with Saturn in your 8th House of Intimacy.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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