arbiter
Americannoun
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a person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.
-
a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.
noun
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a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator
-
a person having complete control of something
Other Word Forms
- superarbiter noun
Etymology
Origin of arbiter
1350–1400; Middle English arbitour, arbitre < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin arbiter
Compare meaning
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After retiring in 2013, he joined a private Washington law practice where he handled official arbiter missions.
From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026
Over the last decade and a half, the critic’s role has evolved from that of an arbiter to a kind of prescriber.
From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026
“She was welcomed into the prosecution fold as an adviser, strategist, authoritative arbiter on the policy and practices of the Church of Scientology, and advocate for the complaining witnesses,” the motion read.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025
“He’s now proven himself as an effective arbiter and peacemaker.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025
In a way, however, he was the final arbiter.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
