Definition of arbiternext
as in referee
a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy the dean of student affairs is the proper arbiter when a student disputes a grade

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 arbiter Known as the ultimate arbiter of American design and the pioneer of American Country, Sister Parish ushered in a new phase of design with Albert Hadley in 1962. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 The move publicly challenges the accuracy of the state’s death determinations in an extraordinary move that breaks precedent that states are the arbiters of case and death determinations, not the CDC. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 After six months of war, the deadlock has left the Islamic Republic bitterly divided, while its ultimate arbiter, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in hiding. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Two of the arbiters accompanied Espada to the pitcher’s mound, where Brown handed Espada the baseball. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arbiter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arbiter
Noun
  • Former Hollywood High principal Jim Tunney was a long-time NFL referee.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Following a 33-32 victory over the New York Giants in Week 7 of the 2025 season while playing for the Denver Broncos, Greenlaw chased and verbally threatened referee Brad Allen as the officiating crew was leaving the field.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But in 2025, Congress eliminated that tax — and in early August, a federal judge in Texas ruled that without it, those other measures for extra vetting were unconstitutional, the Idaho Statesman reported at the time.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The same isn’t true if the NCAA wins, since athletes elsewhere can still try their luck with judges near them.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Rays challenged the calls at both first and second and Mesa was ruled safe when a video review overturned the out decision by first base umpire Mark Ripperger.
    — Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Among 25 umpires who worked the first two rounds, four had perfect rates and were confirmed on all challenges.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At the beginning of this week’s episode, what Taylor & Byrne need is to prove to the arbitrator that circumstances have changed enough to invalidate the prenup Morgan and Carla signed before getting married.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The final three years are open to negotiation, with an arbitrator making the final call if a decision can’t be reached.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Arbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arbiter. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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