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

Vanderbilt looked at referees in disbelief when he was called for a flop. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

The clue [Aid in evaluating some calls] refers to calls made by umpires or referees, who often consult SLOW-MOTION replay before making their rulings. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Players and coaches have recently been disciplined for criticizing referees. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, who helped Michigan win the national title last season, said he was astonished at the way Doncic worked the referees for foul calls. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

So common was this practice that by the middle of the century, insurance companies were regularly employing their own medical referees to submit thorough and unbiased reports for review. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Perhaps that would have helped put to rest the idea that NFL referees are instructed to help the Chiefs. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026

The technology allowed the referees to communicate with the replay center about reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions. — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Representatives for the unions representing NFL players and referees did not immediately respond to requests for comment. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026