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

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