Synonyms of umpires

umpires 1 of 2

noun

plural of umpire

as in referees

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

• referees
• judges
• arbitrators
• negotiators
• moderators
• arbiters
• magistrates
• jurists
• adjudicators
• justices
• mediators
• intermediaries
• conciliators
• intermediates
• peacemakers
• reconcilers
• mediatrixes
• troubleshooters
• deciders
• go-betweens

umpires

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of umpire

as in judges

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

• judges
• decides
• referees
• determines
• settles
• adjudges
• arbitrates
• adjudicates
• rules (on)
• considers
• hears
• resolves
• prosecutes
• weighs
• deems
• concludes
• moderates
• deliberates
• ponders
• finds (for or against)
• tries
• mediates
• sizes up
• negotiates
• redetermines
• rejudges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hedges
• skirts
• equivocates
• pussyfoots

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of umpires

Noun

The final four-plus innings were played with only three umpires after home plate ump Jeremie Rehak left the game after taking a foul ball off his mask. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

The Jordan and James camps will continue to pound away at each other from their baselines, back and forth, making the rest of us who are undecided feel like chair umpires at a tennis match, head on a swivel. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Scenes like the one that played out at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday afternoon only fuel the idea that some fans have about umpires wanting to be part of the show at a baseball game. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Such conditions are hazardous to players, fans, umpires and stadium workers. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Oddly enough, three of the worst umpires in the league all took a buyout earlier this month and will retire at the end of the year. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Verb

For the first time in the big leagues, umpires’ ball and strike calls can be challenged and either upheld or overturned after a quick review of the pitch data. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026