reference point
noun
: something that is used to judge or understand something else
The professor used the study as a reference point for evaluating and discussing other theories.
Examples of reference point in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This shared reference point facilitates conflict resolution and course correction when needed.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
For Russians over 40 years old, the cataclysmic 1990s appear to be the main reference point.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024
As a reference point, if a third-party developer used OpenAI’s top-of-the-line models to build AI search, in May 2023 the cost would be about $10 per query, while Google’s non-Gen-AI search costs $0.01, a 1,000x difference.
—Kai-Fu Lee, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024
For a reference point, the Thunder have the best defensive rating on the season, giving up 102.7 points per 100 possessions.
—Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference point 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
For Russians over 40 years old, the cataclysmic 1990s appear to be the main reference point.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024
As a reference point, if a third-party developer used OpenAI’s top-of-the-line models to build AI search, in May 2023 the cost would be about $10 per query, while Google’s non-Gen-AI search costs $0.01, a 1,000x difference.
—Kai-Fu Lee, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024
For a reference point, the Thunder have the best defensive rating on the season, giving up 102.7 points per 100 possessions.
—Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference point
Dictionary Entries Near reference point
Cite this Entry
“Reference point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference%20point. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share