UMPIRE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

umpire 1 of 2

noun

ˈəm-ˌpī(-ə)r

Definition of umpire

as in referee

a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy usually acts as umpire in the all-too-frequent squabbles between the two other roommates

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umpire

2 of 2

verb

as in to decide

to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute) in our family disputes regarding the use of our home entertainment system are umpired by Dad

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of umpire

Noun

Home plate umpire Dan Merzel made the call, which allowed Yankees right fielder Spencer Jones to score from third in a 2-2 game. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The Cy Young winner was tossed by Dan Merzel as the third base umpire and the rest of the umpiring crew took the field. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

Verb

Ogilvie has also squeezed in umpiring the last three years. — Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 Despite reportedly taking some violent blows to the head and wrestling the alleged thief to the ground, Ballou was able to umpire the Phillies’ game the next night. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for umpire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for umpire

Noun

His previous spell on the Bernabeu bench was filled with arguments and feuds, with the Portuguese angrily taking on referees, journalists, opposition coaches and even his own players.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
The other problem is that the referees addressed that exact question after the game.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of referee

Verb

That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not decided whether to resume negotiations with the US.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of decide

Noun

The judge believes the defendant tried to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses ahead of a trial scheduled for next year.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Amid tight security, Najib stood inside a cage wearing a prisoner’s uniform as the judge read the sentence.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of judge

Verb

Currently, each state has the power to determine its own rules, with many states opting to return a portion of the interest generated back to homeowners.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Mosser has not come to the negotiating table just yet, but Richardson says his office is determined to fix a wrong.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of determine

Verb

Ask whether the methodology is published in enough detail to reproduce, and who arbitrates a disputed grade.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
His case prompted a withering rebuke from the California Supreme Court, which said Kaiser’s system of arbitrating legal disputes was subject to long delays and unfair to its members.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of arbitrate

Verb

In New York, on the other hand, a neutral third party determines eligibility and adjudicates payouts.

— Jacob Lederman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
While some people had ongoing charges and declined to speak until their cases were adjudicated, others had already been convicted and were willing to talk because double jeopardy protected them from being charged a second time.

— Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjudicate

Verb

Antoine Griezmann, France vs Croatia, 2018 Griezmann restores France’s lead with a penalty after Ivan Perisic was adjudged to have handled in the box.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Trophy as the NHL player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team, marking the second such honor of his career after also winning the award in 2019.

— Mercury News, Mercury News, 12 June 2026

Definition of adjudge

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Style

“Umpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpire. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of umpire

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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