Definition of umpirenext
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

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umpire

2 of 2

verb

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
The kid who manages the umpires … the two workers at Jamba Juice. Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 In the seventh, Philadelphia's Trea Turner was hit by a pitch on his left hand, but plate umpire Shane Livensparger ruled that Turner swung at the 1-2 pitch for a strikeout. CBS News, 19 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
  • The grey area here is how long the referee waits before starting the countdown.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Shin guards Before the game begins, the referee will make sure every child is wearing a pair of shin guards for protection.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Zhuang decided to leave town in April, joining an exodus of actors and crew from the area.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, communities like Mount Prospect have decided not to wait.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hearings on Anthony's requests for a retrial and a new judge were set to begin Wednesday in suburban Dallas.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • During a court appearance, a Broward County judge ordered Smith held without bond on the charges and prohibited him from contacting any victims involved in the case.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Conviser and DePaul settled her remaining claims in August 2024.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Long Wharf Theatre staged it in 1999, with a 1930s setting not far from what Elm Shakespeare has settled on but with a Black cast and specifically set during the Harlem Renaissance.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The November election will determine who serves the remainder of Owens' term.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • No cause or manner of death has been determined, pending the results of additional testing.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • The World Trade Organization carries on adjudicating trade disputes, despite a surge in protectionism.
    Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The office added that all judges have a legal, ethical and professional obligation to be impartial and neutral in adjudicating cases.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Umpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpire. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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