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

Taylor was a generous colleague, always sent an encouraging message on match days, looked after the newbies and was hugely supportive when fourth official, which is not true of all referees, unfortunately. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Perhaps no prominent professional athlete embodies the desire to be seen as a victim as much as Reese, who has spent years painting herself as someone unfairly treated by fans, coaches, referees, reporters and society at large. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 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

At the 2026 World Cup, the referees’ job hasn’t gotten easier as the technology around them has improved. — Oded Netzer, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Other volunteer roles include language services for visitors from other countries, event transportation, and accreditation for non-ticket holders such as players and referees. — Eric Nager, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

After countries nominate their most consistently top officials, FIFA carefully reviews the candidates and narrows down an elite list of potential referees, assistant referees and video assistant referees. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026