STANDARD Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'standard' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of standard are criterion , gauge , touchstone , and yardstick . While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. // standards of behavior

Q: In what contexts can 'criterion' take the place of 'standard'?

The meanings of criterion and standard largely overlap; however, criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not. // questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

Q: When can 'gauge' be used instead of 'standard'?

While the synonyms gauge and standard are close in meaning, gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect. // polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

Q: When could 'touchstone' be used to replace 'standard'?

While in some cases nearly identical to standard , touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible. // fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Q: How are the words 'yardstick' and 'criterion' related as synonyms of 'standard'?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality. // housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

standard 1 of 2

noun

ˈstan-dərd

Definition of standard next

as in criterion

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared the animation in that movie set the standard against which all later animated cartoons were judged

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Relevance

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as in flag

a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling a ship flying the queen's standard

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as in normal

what is typical of a group, class, or series somewhat shorter than the standard for boys that age

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as in morality

standards plural the code of good conduct for an individual or group a life guided by high standards

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standard

2 of 2

adjective

as in usual

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events a standard bandage is all that that wound needs

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as in typical

having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind he's pretty much your standard high-school jock

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as in conventional

accepted, used, or practiced by most people standard procedure

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun standard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of standard are criterion, gauge, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

In what contexts can criterion take the place of standard?

The meanings of criterion and standard largely overlap; however, criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

When can gauge be used instead of standard?

While the synonyms gauge and standard are close in meaning, gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

When could touchstone be used to replace standard?

While in some cases nearly identical to standard, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How are the words yardstick and criterion related as synonyms of standard?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of standard

Noun

The apartment is big by New York standards, but there are only two common areas: the upstairs kitchen, which has a nook for a dining room table but can’t handle more than two people cooking at a time, and a basement common area that has a couple of assorted couches and tables. —

Kayla Levy, Curbed, 6 Feb. 2025 Standout standard features on the $33,600 LT base trim include an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch infotainment touch screen, 19-inch wheels, a front LED light bar, flush door handles, and LED headlights and taillights. —

Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025

Adjective

As expected, a few features that are standard on the Launch Edition will be optional on the Limited trim. —

Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025 Catch up quick: Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government should have one standard source of identification, rather than accepting state driver's licenses, which have state-specific requirements. —

Jessica Boehm, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for standard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard

Noun

Florida International University naming Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez as interim president on Friday reflects the evolving criteria for selecting top leaders in Florida’s university system — one that favors political connections as much as academic credentials.

— Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
Similarly, Google offered a few specific listings from Zillow that met my editor's criteria as well as suggestions such as networking with realtors.

— Ina Fried, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025