noun
arbiter
AH-bih-tuh
Arbiter (noun) means someone chosen by two sides to settle a dispute between them. Example: “The two companies agreed to let an independent arbiter decide the contract dispute.”
noun
1
Someone chosen by two sides to settle a dispute between them.
"The two companies agreed to let an independent arbiter decide the contract dispute."
"She acted as arbiter between the feuding neighbours."
2
Someone or something with the power to judge or decide, without needing anyone else's approval.
"Critics are often seen as the arbiters of good taste."
How to use arbiter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person or thing with the authority to settle a disagreement or make the final call.
Common mistake
"Arbiter" and "arbitrator" overlap, but "arbitrator" is the more specific, formal term for someone conducting legal arbitration.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
final arbiter
sole arbiter
arbiter of taste
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Word forms
- Plural
- arbiters
- Third person singular
- arbiters
- Past tense
- arbitered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two companies agreed to let an independent _____ decide the contract dispute.
Etymology
From Latin arbiter, "a witness or judge" — literally "one who goes to see".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for arbiter
liter
biter
writer
waiter
loiter
Jupiter
orbiter
Lassiter
typewriter
songwriter
screenwriter
scriptwriter
See all rhymes for arbiter →
Frequently asked questions
What does “arbiter” mean?
The word “arbiter” means someone chosen by two sides to settle a dispute between them. In plain terms, a person or thing with the authority to settle a disagreement or make the final call.
How do you pronounce “arbiter”?
“Arbiter” is pronounced AH-bih-tuh (/ˈɑɹ.bɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “arbiter” in a sentence?
Here is “arbiter” used in a sentence: “The two companies agreed to let an independent arbiter decide the contract dispute.”
What part of speech is “arbiter”?
“Arbiter” is a noun.
Where does the word “arbiter” come from?
The word “arbiter” comes from Latin. From Latin arbiter, "a witness or judge" — literally "one who goes to see".
How many meanings does “arbiter” have?
“Arbiter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone chosen by two sides to settle a dispute between them.
