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

In the early hours of the following morning, four referees who officiated the match were allegedly taken to a massage parlor by the KFA, which spent 760,000 Korean won ($536). — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 From a historic red card to mandatory hydration breaks, Barton offers a window into changes from a World Cup referees’ perspective. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 The organization ordered a moment of silence to be observed at all matches across all categories of Argentine soccer and mandated that players, referees and coaching staff wear black armbands. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The incident prompted Cunningham to get back up and scream at Carrington, as referees had to separate the two players. — Jackson Thompson , Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 For a moment, two referees from the Falcons’ seventh training camp practice looked at each other, conversed and truly didn’t know what to rule. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The practice referees didn’t blow the whistle on the second sack, allowing quarterback Malik Willis to throw a completion to tight end Ben Sims that converted a first down. — Omar Kelly august 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Corbin raked Trick’s eyes behind the referees back, but Yachty hit Corbin with a kendo stick leading to a Death Valley Driver from Trick for the nearfall. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Hafley bothered by penalties Hafley has referees at practice so the Dolphins stay focused on situational football. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees

Noun

As umpires took the field and walked by the Braves’ dugout on the third base side, Sale began barking.

— Larry Fleisher, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
As umpires took the field and walked by the Braves' dugout on the third base side, Sale began barking.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of umpires

Verb

MasterChef Australia judges Yeow and Sofia Levin later spoke to 10 News about welcoming Meghan to the set, describing an enthusiastic atmosphere among the contestants.

— Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Which means Beijing is regulating what your fifteen-year-old does after dinner, behind a closed door, with an entity that never tires of them, never judges them, and never has a bad day of its own.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of judges

Verb

While mulling over ideas, Kris decides to visit the franchise’s original final girl, the reclusive Billie (played mesmerizingly by Gillian Anderson, complete with a southern accent).

— Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
The subcommittee then decides how much money each eligible person should receive.

— Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of decides

Verb

In reality, bonding capacity often determines how quickly a contractor can expand.

— Nikhil Chandankhede, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Jones came into the weekend 18th in the standings, 44 points behind 16th-place Austin Cindric for the final spot in The Chase that determines the series champion.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of determines

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refereeing

referees

reference

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“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of referees

noun

verb

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