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

During a second-round match between two of tennis’ most combustible personalities, Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe, chair umpire Frank Hammond penalized and eventually defaulted Nastase for his behavior. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol argued with plate umpire Doug Eddings and was ejected. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 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

Dynamo captain Hector Herrera grabbed Taylor Calheira by the throat in front of the referee, earning a straight red card.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
He was dragged down by Yannick Bright in front of the goal on a corner kick, but play continued for more than a minute before a stoppage allowed referee Victor Rivas to review the play.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of referee

Noun

The three outlets sued the same day and on Thursday morning won a 14-day reprieve from a federal judge to access the White House grounds.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Last week, a judge approved Holmes’ transfer too the Austin Transitional Center, a halfway house in Del Valle, Texas, on August 23, 2027.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of judge

Verb

Let enthusiasm show you what deserves more energy after the excitement settles.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
The dinner capped a long, but friendly, day of meetings and celebrations, as the world’s two most powerful leaders seek to settle trade differences while simultaneously thawing the icy relationship between the United States and China.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of settle

Verb

The justices have been asked to determine whether states and localities have the ability to sue fossil fuel companies for damages caused by the effects of climate change, or whether federal law precludes such lawsuits.

— Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
By drawing attention to current events through speculation, prediction markets help determine which events become visible.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of determine

Verb

The underlying logic is that if parties contractually agree to arbitrate their grievances, which Moore and other professional tennis players do, judges ought to treat the outcome as final, assuming there are no extraordinary circumstances.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Even at the height of Jewish segregation, Jews might work in partnership with Christians, call on Christians to arbitrate in disputes, or be welcomed into Christian homes as friends.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of arbitrate

Verb

The states likewise argued that the board does not raise First Amendment concerns, arguing that the deal will not put the court in the position of adjudicating news judgments.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
City attorneys argued that the city’s long-standing practice of adjudicating those cases by the Chicago Police Board should remain in place.

— Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of adjudicate

Verb

The two centre-backs were grappling in the penalty area, and Konsa was adjudged to have pulled Ballard to the ground after a long throw-in.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 14 Sep. 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

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“Umpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpire. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of umpire

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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