Synonyms of referees

referees 1 of 2

noun

plural of referee

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

• umpires
• judges
• arbitrators
• moderators
• negotiators
• arbiters
• magistrates
• jurists
• adjudicators
• mediators
• justices
• intermediaries
• intermediates
• conciliators
• peacemakers
• reconcilers
• mediatrixes
• troubleshooters
• deciders
• go-betweens

referees

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of referee

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

• judges
• decides
• umpires
• determines
• settles
• adjudges
• arbitrates
• adjudicates
• rules (on)
• considers
• resolves
• hears
• prosecutes
• weighs
• concludes
• deems
• moderates
• tries
• finds (for or against)
• deliberates
• ponders
• mediates
• sizes up
• negotiates
• redetermines
• rejudges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hedges
• skirts
• equivocates
• pussyfoots

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of referees

Noun

The practice referees didn’t blow the whistle on the second sack, allowing quarterback Malik Willis to throw a completion to tight end Ben Sims that converted a first down. — Omar Kelly august 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Corbin raked Trick’s eyes behind the referees back, but Yachty hit Corbin with a kendo stick leading to a Death Valley Driver from Trick for the nearfall. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Hafley bothered by penalties Hafley has referees at practice so the Dolphins stay focused on situational football. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Brondello is Australian, where the phrase is commonly used in sports to describe a player who receives favorable treatment from referees. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Special cameras will be installed in every WNBA arena (those that share an arena with an NBA team already have them), and referees in the building can consult with the replay center based on certain triggers. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Expanding access So, how can soccer broaden access and opportunity for female referees? — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Boos against opponents and bad referees and yells at your side to do better was the Spirit moving you to testify. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

With boos and jeers ringing around Expo Idaho at the referees, AC Boise continued to pepper the Portland box with dangerous crosses and shots. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026