arbiter
Americannoun
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a person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.
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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
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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
As Iran’s spiritual leader and its highest authority, Khamenei, 85, was the ultimate arbiter in state affairs, including the economy, education and defense.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 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
It raises a profound question: can the state, especially when it is implicated in killing, be trusted as the arbiter of what should remain secret?
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026
With his own military power and their support, he can very easily put down those who are powerful, and remain complete arbiter of that region.
From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli
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.
