arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər How to pronounce arbitrator (audio)
Synonyms of arbitratornext
: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter
an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms of arbitrator

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Examples of arbitrator in a Sentence

Both sides agreed to accept a decision by an impartial arbitrator. the couple finally agreed to let the salesclerk be the final arbitrator and tell them which shirt looked best
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The arbitrator restored the last two years of Sprewell’s contract and reduced his suspension by five months. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Texas law allows courts to reject an arbitration award when, for example, the process substantially prejudiced a party’s rights, involved fraud or arbitrator misconduct, or exceeded the arbitrator’s authority. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Jeenah Moon | Reuters Gemini Space Station scored a legal victory earlier in August after an arbitrator found the crypto exchange did not mislead users and was not at fault for the collapse of its Earn lending program. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Cases are decided by baseball-style arbitration − a process in which the arbitrator must award either the amount proposed by the insurance plan or what the medical provider asks. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arbitrator

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin arbitrātor "umpire," from Latin arbitrārī "to consider, judge, arbitrate" + -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arbitrator was in the 15th century

Rhymes for arbitrator

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Browse Nearby Words

arbitrative
arbitrator
arbitrement
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Cite this Entry

“Arbitrator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbitrator. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

arbitrator

noun
ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt-ər How to pronounce arbitrator (audio)
: a person chosen to settle differences in a disagreement

Legal Definition

arbitrator

noun
ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər How to pronounce arbitrator (audio)
: an impartial person or group that is given the power by disputing parties to resolve their dispute compare mediator
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