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

However, complaints about the umpires continue to this day, and that was the case 137 years ago. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

When Ian Happ made the final out of the frame, the umpires convened and called a delay, a rare stoppage because of the fog-shrouded Wrigley Field. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 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