arbitration
6 synonyms for arbitration, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A process for settling a dispute in which both sides agree to accept the decision of a neutral third party, instead of going to court.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use arbitration
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
binding arbitration
go to arbitration
arbitration clause
Etymology
From Old French arbitration, from Latin arbitratio, related to arbiter, "judge".
Full origin of arbitration →Frequently asked questions
What does “arbitration” mean?
The word “arbitration” means a process for settling a dispute in which both sides agree to accept the decision of a neutral third party, instead of going to court. In plain terms, a way of resolving a disagreement by having an independent person or panel make a binding decision, avoiding a full court case.
How do you pronounce “arbitration”?
“Arbitration” is pronounced ah-bih-TRAY-shuhn (/ˌɑɹ.bɪˈtɹeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “arbitration” in a sentence?
Here is “arbitration” used in a sentence: “The union and management agreed to settle the pay dispute through arbitration.”
What part of speech is “arbitration”?
“Arbitration” is a noun.
Where does the word “arbitration” come from?
The word “arbitration” comes from Latin. From Old French arbitration, from Latin arbitratio, related to arbiter, "judge".
Is “arbitration” a common word?
“Arbitration” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
In arbitration, a neutral third party listens to both sides and makes a binding decision that settles the dispute. In mediation, the neutral third party helps both sides negotiate and reach their own agreement but does not impose a decision. Arbitration therefore produces an enforceable ruling, while mediation only facilitates a voluntary settlement.
What is the difference between arbitration and going to court?
Arbitration is a private process where both sides agree in advance to accept the decision of a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge. Court proceedings are public, follow formal legal procedure, and are overseen by a judge or jury rather than by a party both sides have selected.
Is arbitration legally binding?
Arbitration is generally binding when both parties have agreed to it, meaning the arbitrator's decision is enforceable much like a court judgment. This is one of the main reasons businesses and contracts often specify arbitration as a way to resolve disputes without going to trial.
