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

One source of potential officials or umpires is players who might not go beyond the high school level but want to stay in the game. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026 However, plate umpire Brennan Miller called a balk on Boyd, sending Rodden to second base. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 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

Among the top-performing VARs last season were EFL referee Paul Howard and EPL assistant Neil Davies.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The play was reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 2 after the referee said there was windup, impact and follow-through on the foul, resulting in Carrington’s ejection.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of referee

Noun

The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
One of the owners is asking a judge to enforce a settlement agreement that would sell the hospitals to Insight and have the hospitals’ current CEO step down as leader of the facilities.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of judge

Verb

People who settled here have a very bold spirit and a kind of grit that was required to make it.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Separately, New Mexico secured a nearly $1 billion verdict against Meta for creating a public nuisance and exposing minors to harm, prompting Meta to settle with 47 other states for up to $18 billion, though private claims persist.

— Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of settle

Verb

Graf also reiterated that his ruling was not a definitive finding of guilt, which will have to be determined by a jury during a future trial.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
In a July 29 order, the court determined Millennia failed to make those fixes.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of determine

Verb

In each instance, once parties have agreed to arbitrate, a court may confirm and enforce the resulting arbitration award, subject to limited grounds for setting it aside.

— Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
The planned center for arbitrating investment and commercial disputes, for example, will sit within the Syrian Investment Authority, which is itself attached to the presidency.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of arbitrate

Verb

The Justices’ daily business involves resolving ambiguities, clarifying jurisdiction, harmonizing conflicting statutes, and adjudicating conflicts in special jurisdictions.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
In cases where the visa holder has an active asylum application, the claim will have to be adjudicated and denied before removal proceedings can move forward.

— Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 25 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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umiaks

umpire

umpired

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Style

“Umpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpire. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of umpire

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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