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
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Yet, Springfield Central coach William Watson and his group remained on the field, as the referees stood silently.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
These students eventually become professors, referees and editors.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The referees converged to discuss the call and agreed on the penalty.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
No other referees intervene in this system and the on-pitch official will review every goal, regardless of whether they are asked.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
His fellow referees dressed as a fisherman, an admiral and a commander.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In the Chiefs' win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship, there were two calls in particular that drove the conversation about the referees.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Back in January, Lil Wayne, who is a Green Bay Packers fan, shared his less than positive reaction to the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-14 victory against the Houston Texans on X, criticizing the referees for making controversial calls.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
In the past year, there has been talk of the Chiefs being lucky, getting help from the referees, etc.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Yet, Springfield Central coach William Watson and his group remained on the field, as the referees stood silently.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
These students eventually become professors, referees and editors.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The referees converged to discuss the call and agreed on the penalty.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
No other referees intervene in this system and the on-pitch official will review every goal, regardless of whether they are asked.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
His fellow referees dressed as a fisherman, an admiral and a commander.
—M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In the Chiefs' win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship, there were two calls in particular that drove the conversation about the referees.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Back in January, Lil Wayne, who is a Green Bay Packers fan, shared his less than positive reaction to the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-14 victory against the Houston Texans on X, criticizing the referees for making controversial calls.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees
Noun
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After the top of the first inning, several Yankees batters congregated on the third base line with manager Aaron Boone and the umpires.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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Major League Baseball Rule 21 prohibits anyone connected to the game-including players, umpires, and staff-from gambling on any baseball or softball game, regardless of the level.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Your point about being present reminds me of the scene where Jack judges the girl for taking a selfie on the rooftop and Heather calls him out.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
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As the performance came to its colorful conclusion, judges Simon Cowell and Spice Girl Mel B were immediately on the feet.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The cat decides its favorite spot to sleep is also a great place to stretch and scratch.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Perhaps America won’t be healthy again until Kennedy simply decides to declare victory, regardless of what the next three years bring.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When the next breakthrough enters the doctor’s office—whether AI, gene therapy, or an unimagined technology—trust will remain the essential ingredient that determines whether medicine heals not just illness, but healthcare itself.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Gary Vee identified this shift as the transition from social media to interest media, but most entrepreneurs and brands are still operating as if follower count determines reach.—
Ivana Johnston,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Cortège gestures toward that transcendence, but too often settles for the kind of veiled enchantment that follows us home through our screens.—
David Hochman,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Humanity, united by one language, settles on a plain in Shinar and begins constructing a tower to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves.—
John Fugelsang
September 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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