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

The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, who helped Michigan win the national title last season, said he was astonished at the way Doncic worked the referees for foul calls. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 So common was this practice that by the middle of the century, insurance companies were regularly employing their own medical referees to submit thorough and unbiased reports for review. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Perhaps that would have helped put to rest the idea that NFL referees are instructed to help the Chiefs. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for referees

Noun

The umpires were walking past wondering what on earth was going on.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 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

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

Yannis decides to go for STP, a Black Forest gâteau, and a Mary Berry’s recipe for Queen of Desserts, which is a mix of breadcrumbs and custard with jam and topped with meringue.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Federal agencies have overlapping jurisdiction over captive marine mammals –– for sea lions, the USDA oversees their welfare and NOAA decides who can keep them for public display.

— Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of decides

Verb

How the Fed affects your money The Fed's benchmark interest rate determines what banks charge one another for overnight loans.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
In this setup, the angle between the polarized light and the polarizer determines how much light can pass through the latter.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of determines

Verb

Waititi never settles on one either, most often opting for a glibness that treats key aspects of the plot, including Klara’s rudimentary faith, into something like a joke.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Smoke from fires in the Sierra foothills, the North Coast and the northern Sacramento Valley often settles over Sacramento, and late-summer smoke tends to arrive during heat waves.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of settles

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“Referees.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referees. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of referees

noun

verb

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