arbitrate
verb
ar·bi·trate
ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt 
arbitrated; arbitrating
1
: to act as arbiter upon (a disputed question) : to settle (a dispute between two people or groups) after hearing the arguments and opinions of both
She arbitrated the dispute.
2
: to submit or refer for decision to an arbiter
agreed to arbitrate their differences
: to act as arbiter
The council will arbitrate among the interest groups.
Examples of arbitrate in a Sentence
The council will arbitrate among the interest groups.
arbitrate between managers and staff
She will arbitrate the dispute.
Recent Examples on the Web
Given his often conflicting obligations to cyberspace operations under Title 10 of the U.S. Code and signals intelligence under Title 50, he is compelled to arbitrate in favor of one or the other, rather than advocate on behalf of either side.
—
James G. Stavridis, Foreign Affairs, 22 Oct. 2013
In May, Morris filed a lawsuit asking Tarrant County courts to force the Southlake megachurch to arbitrate a dispute about his retirement pay, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025
Peru could not reconcile herself to the cession of Peruvian territory, but offered to arbitrate the question of indemnities and other questions arising out of the war.
—Edwin M. Borchard, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2011
That means agents must arbitrate claims against a player for unpaid commissions, but could sue them in court for any other aspect of their relationship.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrate
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James G. Stavridis, Foreign Affairs, 22 Oct. 2013
In May, Morris filed a lawsuit asking Tarrant County courts to force the Southlake megachurch to arbitrate a dispute about his retirement pay, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025
Peru could not reconcile herself to the cession of Peruvian territory, but offered to arbitrate the question of indemnities and other questions arising out of the war.
—Edwin M. Borchard, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2011
That means agents must arbitrate claims against a player for unpaid commissions, but could sue them in court for any other aspect of their relationship.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for arbitrate
Cite this Entry
“Arbitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbitrate. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arbitrate
verb
ar·bi·trate
ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt
arbitrated; arbitrating
1
: to settle a disagreement after hearing the arguments of both sides
arbitrate between management and labor
2
: to refer a dispute to others for settlement : submit to arbitration
Legal Definition
arbitrate
verb
ar·bi·trate
ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt
arbitrated; arbitrating
1
: to act as arbitrator for
2
: to bring to arbitration for settlement
agreed to arbitrate their dispute
: to act as arbitrator
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