REFEREES Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

referees 1 of 2

noun

plural of referee

as in umpires

a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy served as the unofficial referee in disputes over the family business

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referees

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of referee

as in judges

to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute) their father usually ends up refereeing any disputes concerning use of the big TV

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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 referees

Noun

Now his son, Carl, is one of the top NFL referees and has worked three Super Bowls. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 The technology allowed the referees to communicate with the replay center about reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions. — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 May many a Polish sausage be consumed today in his honor, many Old Styles drank in his memory, and multiple referees given the finger in his remembrance. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 That is, until the referees wiped it off the board because Bell’s toe had stepped out-of-bounds prior to the catch. — Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Representatives for the unions representing NFL players and referees did not immediately respond to requests for comment. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 As referees stopped Charlie Adams’ corner kick to separate a pair of players in the box, Adams whispered for Barea to come closer. — Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2026 Lots of fans of other teams have falsely believed the Chiefs received help from the referees during Kansas City’s dynasty. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 But the referees ruled the ball was blown dead before the fumble. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees

Noun

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
Volpe looked to have a home run to left field, and umpires called it a home run on the field.

— Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of umpires

Verb

For an adolescent navigating friendships, rejection, identity and belonging, something that never judges them or gossips and is always available can be incredibly compelling.

— Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
He was seen on the CBS broadcast giving one of the side judges an earful.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of judges

Verb

The development calls into question the future of the USMCA, which will face annual reviews until 2036—or until one of the three partner nations decides to pull out.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
District decides the race The gerrymandered 5th district would have been a monumental challenge for Cleaver if the courts hadn’t ruled to pause the law pending an election.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of decides

Verb

However, the discovery does not mean the same genetic variation determines organ placement in humans.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
The Eagles announced Thursday that Hurts would miss Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers while the team determines his treatment.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of determines

Verb

Once your wager settles, BetMGM will credit your account with up to $1500 (matching your original wager) in Bonus Bets if your first bet loses.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
As the heat settles in, fire crews are remaining on high alert, particularly as vegetation becomes increasingly dry this late in the year.

— Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of settles

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

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Synonyms of referees

noun

verb

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