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

That may come in the form of a big special-teams play, a heads-up stop by a defender or even questionable calls by the referees. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026

Yellow flags Nothing did more damage to UConn’s defense in Saturday’s opener than the little yellow flags that fluttered onto the field from the referees’ waistband. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Other individuals tied to the league, such as referees, also fall into this category. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

The new rules mandated that referees stop play for a ten-minute hydration break that allows players to drink fluids, change clothes, or shower in their locker room. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Although referees tried to separate them, the fight escalated as more Keystone Oaks coaches came onto the field and fought with the Canton, according to the criminal complaint. — Matt Foster, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees. — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

Dulcich would have also been flagged for holding a few times if referees were at practice. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

The league office needs to send a directive to all team owners, coaches, players and referees, to stop this behavior and play like professionals. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026