Synonyms of umpire

umpire 1 of 2

noun

ˈəm-ˌpī(-ə)r 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• referee
• judge
• arbitrator
• moderator
• arbiter
• negotiator
• magistrate
• adjudicator
• jurist
• mediator
• intermediary
• conciliator
• justice
• intermediate
• peacemaker
• mediatrix
• reconciler
• troubleshooter
• decider
• go-between

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decide
• judge
• settle
• referee
• determine
• arbitrate
• adjudicate
• adjudge
• rule (on)
• resolve
• hear
• prosecute
• consider
• weigh
• deem
• conclude
• deliberate
• ponder
• mediate
• try
• find (for or against)
• moderate
• negotiate
• size up
• redetermine
• rejudge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hedge
• skirt
• equivocate
• pussyfoot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of umpire

Noun

Manager Blake Butera got in the face of umpire Manny Gonzalez and was ejected for the first time this season, a decision that was appreciated inside the clubhouse. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

The umpire rejected West Indies' appeal but captain Roston Chase referred the decision to the television umpire, who ruled the ball was turning enough to hit leg stump. — ABC News, 3 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