arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms

• adjudicator
• arbiter
• judge
• referee
• umpire

Examples of arbitrator in a Sentence

Both sides agreed to accept a decision by an impartial arbitrator.

the couple finally agreed to let the salesclerk be the final arbitrator and tell them which shirt looked best

Recent Examples on the Web

The arbitrator reduced Hayes' termination to a 50-day suspension, saying his actions weren't harassment because the women hadn't said they were offended, according to the arbitrator's decision. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025

Now, with the reliance of courts to act as non-political arbitrators continues to be questioned, McConnell offered a warning to the Senate about the need to continue an objective confirmation process. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2025

If no agreement is reached by then, a neutral arbitrator will be selected, and the union and the postal service will present evidence. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians filed a grievance, and an arbitrator ordered the two reinstated in April 2020. —Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin arbitrātor "umpire," from Latin arbitrārī "to consider, judge, arbitrate" + -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arbitrator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt-ər 

: a person chosen to settle differences in a disagreement

Legal Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: an impartial person or group that is given the power by disputing parties to resolve their dispute compare mediator