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

And it was destined to fail, to do more harm than good, at the moment soccer’s lawmakers left both decisions entirely in the hands of referees.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of referee

Verb

With a conference showdown and bitter rivalry looming next week against Geneva, Batavia decided to open Friday night’s game with some fireworks.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
If there's a disagreement about who did what, a judge will be asked to decide.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of decide

Noun

Plates and cake forks were distributed by a young waitress also borrowed from Lyons, from the Corner House on Coventry Street, who cut the cakes and handed round slices to the judges.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Earlier this month, a federal judge in Boston had issued a preliminary injunction against USPS, blocking the mailing agency from imposing those new ballot requirements on states.

— Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of judge

Verb

After the Sox scored six runs in the first inning and led 8-2 after the third, most fans settled in for a postgame concert by country music star Cole Swindell.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Gently tap pan and wiggle pan to settle batters into an even layer.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of settle

Verb

The suit, brought by 13 named and four anonymous researchers, is seeking to halt the process of searching applications and current grants for specific terms to determine if they should be rejected.

— Anil Oza, STAT, 17 Sep. 2026
That can help pilots determine a target’s range more quickly.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of determine

Verb

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
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

Definition of arbitrate

Verb

The events recreate Ireland’s own experience with the actor Scott Shepherd in 2012, an act that was messily adjudicated before MeToo, and which, as of Pre-Existing Condition, is still a raw thing.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Officials’ body Pro Ref admitted making an error in judgement when VAR adjudicated that Erling Haaland was onside for the winner.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 14 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of umpire

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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