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
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Recent Examples of referees
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
To maintain the integrity of the game, the matches were closely watched by referees who halted them because of poor timing or form.
—Brian Cheung, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
And referees are privately sanctioned.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Curry had two 3-pointers (one made, the other hit the rim) waved off because of offensive fouls that would have tied the score at 48 in the second quarter, prompting Kerr and Green to engage the referees in lengthy conversations.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
The 49ers are now midway through their spring practice session and have introduced referees and scrimmage settings into the fold as Albin and Faanes look to find not just their best 11, but also the most versatile players who can check multiple boxes on defense.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
The referees had opposed many of those proposals, according to league sources.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The Kansas State alum is one of 11 MLS referees who will be officiating on the international stage this summer.
—Pj Green
april 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama had tripped over his shoelace, the referees determined.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
One can see why wrestling appealed to him—the crowd is everything, the rules mean nothing, and the referees are so feckless that they often get knocked out and everyone laughs.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
To maintain the integrity of the game, the matches were closely watched by referees who halted them because of poor timing or form.
—Brian Cheung, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
And referees are privately sanctioned.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Curry had two 3-pointers (one made, the other hit the rim) waved off because of offensive fouls that would have tied the score at 48 in the second quarter, prompting Kerr and Green to engage the referees in lengthy conversations.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
The 49ers are now midway through their spring practice session and have introduced referees and scrimmage settings into the fold as Albin and Faanes look to find not just their best 11, but also the most versatile players who can check multiple boxes on defense.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
The referees had opposed many of those proposals, according to league sources.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The Kansas State alum is one of 11 MLS referees who will be officiating on the international stage this summer.
—Pj Green
april 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama had tripped over his shoelace, the referees determined.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees
Noun
-
Perhaps pitchers and umpires are simply adjusting to the new technology, and by midsummer any early kinks will be forgotten.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
So why do it that way instead of how umpires have historically constructed their zones?—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reacted to Seacrest’s on-air announcement with a mix of shock and confusion.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In episode three, Mary judges Eleanor pretty harshly for her choices with Robert.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Elle Fanning stars as Margo Millet, an aspiring writer who decides to make money fast via OnlyFans; Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman play her parents, a former Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
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Chandler Levack‘s new film is structured like a Russian nesting doll of roommate stories, as the two girls are confronted by a guidance counselor who decides to tell them another story of freshman year roommates who didn’t get along at first.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Defendants have a right to have a preliminary hearing, in which a judge determines whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring a case to trial, within 10 business days.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Details of the agreement are expected to be outlined in court during Thursday’s hearing, when Loloee formally admits guilt and the judge determines whether to accept the plea.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Showers will linger into early Friday, when cooler air settles in.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The latter song exemplifies Martin’s neck-snappingly furious style; his drumming simply never settles.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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