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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 umpires
Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Two umpires from the Japanese Table Tennis Association judged the games.
—Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Ace changed that by competing under official rules set by the International Table Tennis Federation, with licensed umpires overseeing matches.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
But the umpires ruled the play still live and Antonacci ran around the bases for a two-run, inside-the-park home run.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
After Maikel Garcia was stranded at second base and nearly picked off by New York’s Will Warren, Quatraro raced out to start arguing with umpires Nestor Ceja and Chris Guccione.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Not all umpires agree with Miller.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
Gilbert argued that none of the three umpires made the out signal on the ball hit to left.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Two umpires from the Japanese Table Tennis Association judged the games.
—Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Ace changed that by competing under official rules set by the International Table Tennis Federation, with licensed umpires overseeing matches.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
But the umpires ruled the play still live and Antonacci ran around the bases for a two-run, inside-the-park home run.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
After Maikel Garcia was stranded at second base and nearly picked off by New York’s Will Warren, Quatraro raced out to start arguing with umpires Nestor Ceja and Chris Guccione.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Not all umpires agree with Miller.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umpires
Noun
-
Red cards would also be given to players who leave the field because of issues with referees' rulings, the board said in a second rule change.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The game in Italy is still haunted by Calciopoli, the crisis two decades ago that, among other things, shone an unflattering light on the power and influence behind the appointment of referees in Serie A.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reacted to Seacrest’s on-air announcement with a mix of shock and confusion.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In episode three, Mary judges Eleanor pretty harshly for her choices with Robert.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Whatever the team decides, Lomu sounds happy to oblige.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
If two of the richest companies in the world are racing to control the sky, who decides how that access is priced and delivered?—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Defendants have a right to have a preliminary hearing, in which a judge determines whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring a case to trial, within 10 business days.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Details of the agreement are expected to be outlined in court during Thursday’s hearing, when Loloee formally admits guilt and the judge determines whether to accept the plea.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Showers will linger into early Friday, when cooler air settles in.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The latter song exemplifies Martin’s neck-snappingly furious style; his drumming simply never settles.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Umpires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umpires. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
