ar·bi·tra·tor n.
- A person chosen to settle the issue between parties engaged in a dispute. See Synonyms at judge.
- One having the ability or power to make authoritative decisions; an arbiter.
ar·bi·ter n.
- One chosen or appointed to judge or decide a disputed issue; an arbitrator.
- One who has the power to judge or ordain at will: an arbiter of fashion. See Synonyms at judge.
ar·bi·trar·y adj.
- Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle: stopped at the first motel we passed, an arbitrary choice.
- Based on or subject to individual judgment or preference: The diet imposes overall calorie limits, but daily menus are arbitrary.
- Established by a court or judge rather than by a specific law or statute: an arbitrary penalty.
- Not limited by law; despotic: the arbitrary rule of a dictator.
