umpire
/ˈʌm.paɪər/
NOUN
1. An official who supervises a sports match
A person responsible for overseeing a game, enforcing its rules, and making decisions about plays and disputes.
1.1. Sports match official
An official who supervises a sporting contest, applies the rules, and makes decisions during play in sports such as baseball, cricket, tennis, and curling.
Synonyms
- referee
- ref
- ump
- match official
- sports official
- adjudicator
- judge
Examples
- The baseball game halted as the umpire made a decisive call on the disputed play.
- In the intense tennis match, the players anxiously awaited the umpire's ruling on the close shot.
- The cricket bowler questioned the umpire's decision on the LBW appeal.
- The umpire carefully watched the players to ensure that the rules were followed.
- The curling umpire monitored the match and resolved disputes between the teams.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A person who arbitrates between opposing parties
A person who acts as an impartial authority to settle disagreements or make decisions between parties in dispute.
2.1. Dispute resolution and arbitration
A neutral person who hears opposing sides, evaluates their positions, and helps settle a disagreement or reach a decision.
Synonyms
- arbiter
- arbitrator
- adjudicator
- mediator
- judge
- intermediary
- go-between
Examples
- The two companies appointed an independent umpire to settle their contractual dispute.
- An experienced umpire listened to both parties before making a decision.
- The committee asked a neutral umpire to resolve the disagreement.
- The umpire helped the opposing sides reach a fair settlement.
- Both parties agreed to accept the decision made by the appointed umpire.
Related Words
- arbitration
- mediation
- conciliation
- negotiation
- dispute
- conflict
- settlement
- resolution
VERB
3. To act as an official in a game
To perform the duties of an umpire by supervising a sporting contest and enforcing its rules.
3.1. Officiating a sports match
To serve as the official responsible for supervising a game, monitoring play, and ensuring that participants follow the rules.
Synonyms
- officiate
- referee
- judge
- act as an official
- serve as a referee
Examples
- He was selected to umpire the championship baseball game.
- She agreed to umpire the local tennis tournament.
- Experienced officials were invited to umpire the cricket matches.
- The former player now umpires youth sporting events.
- It takes concentration and impartiality to umpire a competitive match.
Related Words
- officiating
- rule enforcement
- match
- competition
- sportsmanship
- decision
- fair play
VERB
4. To decide or rule as an umpire
To make an official judgment or ruling on a play, question, or dispute while acting as an umpire.
4.1. Making an official decision
To evaluate a situation and issue a ruling or judgment in accordance with the rules or authority of an umpire.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- equivocate
- hedge
- pussyfoot
- skirt
Examples
- The official had to umpire the disputed play before the game could continue.
- The umpire was called upon to decide whether the ball was in or out.
- The committee asked him to umpire the disagreement between the two teams.
- She had to make a difficult ruling when the players challenged the call.
- The official carefully examined the incident before umpiring the final decision.