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

The deranged belief that NFL referees assist the Chiefs would have fueled outrage on social media had the Chiefs won in that manner.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
The referees called a play dead over an inadvertent whistle that set up another third-down play.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 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

Gianmarco does live up to his Simon Cowell role as the panel’s resident skeptic, though Kumail is also an exacting judge, repeatedly grilling or scoffing at the players and even fact-checking them.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
That usually means an immigration judge has ordered their removal after a hearing, including cases when immigrants fail to show up, and the decision was affirmed on appeal or not appealed.

— Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 21 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 vote will determine the next prime minister and the makeup of the government, which will serve alongside a powerful monarchy that retains broad authority over strategic affairs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
Organizations have compared benchmark scores, reasoning capabilities and response quality to determine which AI model is smartest.

— Samir Dutta, Forbes.com, 23 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 lawsuits Hoekstra has filed lean on a similar legal theory to the landmark social media case that was adjudicated in California in March, on which her firm assisted.

— Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
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

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

umpired

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“Umpire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpire. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of umpire

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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