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
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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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of referees
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
This time, however, Barrymore revived the segment with a few additions, most notably a golden ping-pong trophy, sweatbands, and referees Ross Mathews and Sunny Anderson asking all the spicy questions.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025
At the age of 61, Robinson has been praised for still being one of the most agile referees in the wrestling business.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The league keeps putting more responsibilities on referees and replay officials.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
However, since coaches and the broader organization seem to take no issue with the growing trend of shorts, as of late, referees rarely enforce the rule.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Marion earlier in the week was fined $10,000 by the Big Sky Conference for commenting about referees, including his frustration of having eight touchdowns called back this season.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Fox News Digital reached out to the Broncos, the NFL and the NFL referees association for comment on Surtain’s theory.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
This cynicism inevitably besmirches players, coaches, and referees who have no ties to gambling.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
Gordon said referees never gave him an explanation.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
This time, however, Barrymore revived the segment with a few additions, most notably a golden ping-pong trophy, sweatbands, and referees Ross Mathews and Sunny Anderson asking all the spicy questions.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025
At the age of 61, Robinson has been praised for still being one of the most agile referees in the wrestling business.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The league keeps putting more responsibilities on referees and replay officials.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
However, since coaches and the broader organization seem to take no issue with the growing trend of shorts, as of late, referees rarely enforce the rule.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Marion earlier in the week was fined $10,000 by the Big Sky Conference for commenting about referees, including his frustration of having eight touchdowns called back this season.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Fox News Digital reached out to the Broncos, the NFL and the NFL referees association for comment on Surtain’s theory.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
This cynicism inevitably besmirches players, coaches, and referees who have no ties to gambling.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees
Noun
-
The game will feature the Poway Padres playing alongside members of the Poway Sheriff’s Station and the Poway Fire Department, with Mayor Steve Vaus and Poway City Council members serving as umpires.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
For the contemporary era, there are two separate ballots for players and managers, executives and umpires.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The winner was chosen by an independent panel, which each year judges the entries on artistic achievement.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
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Joining judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough this week is former dancing pro Kym Johnson.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Major carriers are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge — or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The story follows the complications that arise in female friendships when one of the characters decides to pose for a high school photography project.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The most important factor that determines whether a residential building will be built is the ability to access capital.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
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The student is an English language learner who has received services for less than two years, and a group of the student’s school educators determines that promotion is appropriate.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Users who prefer the safety net offer can bet up to $1,000 on any market and bet a bonus refund if their bet settles as a loss.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Wilmington, North Carolina During the fall months, Wilmington settles into its natural coastal rhythm.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
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