Referee — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˌre-fə-ˈrē/ ref·er·ee

Meaning & Definition of Referee

Referee (noun)

  1. one to whom a thing is referred
  2. a person to whom a legal matter is referred for investigation and report or for settlement
  3. a person who reviews a paper and especially a technical paper and recommends that it should or should not be published

Referee (verb)

  1. to conduct (a match or game) as referee
  2. to arbitrate (something, such as a legal matter) as a judge or third party
  3. to review (something, such as a technical paper) before publication

Referee (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or controversy

    "served as the unofficial referee in disputes over the family business"

    similar: adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, judge, umpire
    related: jurist, justice, magistrate, intermediary, intermediate, mediator, mediatrix, moderator, negotiator, conciliator, go-between, peacemaker, reconciler, troubleshooter, decider

Referee (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, decide, determine, judge, rule (on), settle, umpire
    related: consider, deem, deliberate, hear, ponder, weigh, size up, mediate, moderate, negotiate, prosecute, try, find (for or against), conclude, resolve, redetermine, rejudge
    near: equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, skirt

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Referee

The most common words with a similar meaning to Referee:

adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, judge, umpire, adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, decide, determine, rule (on), settle

Related Words for Referee

jurist, justice, magistrate, intermediary, intermediate, mediator, mediatrix, moderator, negotiator, conciliator, go-between, peacemaker, reconciler, troubleshooter, decider, consider, deem, deliberate, hear, ponder, weigh, size up, mediate, moderate, negotiate, prosecute, try, find (for or against), conclude, resolve

Near Antonyms of Referee

equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, skirt

Word Forms of Referee

Inflections: refereed, refereeing

Origin & Etymology of Referee

First known use: 1549

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Referee

Frequently Asked Questions about Referee

What does "Referee" mean?

"Referee" means one to whom a thing is referred. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: one to whom a thing is referred. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Referee"?

Other words for "Referee" include adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, judge, umpire, adjudge, adjudicate and arbitrate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Referee" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Referee"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Referee". Common alternatives include adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, judge, umpire, adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, decide and determine.

How do you use "Referee" in a sentence?

Examples of "Referee" in a sentence: "served as the unofficial referee in disputes over the family business"; "their father usually ends up refereeing any disputes concerning use of the big TV".

Is "Referee" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Referee" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Referee" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Referee" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Referee"?

"Referee" is pronounced /ˌre-fə-ˈrē/ and divided into syllables as ref·er·ee.

What is the origin of the word "Referee"?

First known use: 1549.