as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years
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Recent Examples of benchmark
The international oil benchmark, Brent Crude, spiked from just under $100 per barrel to nearly $106 over the same timeframe.
—
CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The cost of gasoline hit an unwelcome benchmark in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday as the average price per gallon officially reached the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Assn.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
And the preceding year, 65% failed to beat their S&P 500 benchmark.
—Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
This is a solid first showing that should satisfy most consumers who aren't obsessed with benchmarks and maximum possible speed.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The cost of gasoline hit an unwelcome benchmark in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday as the average price per gallon officially reached the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Assn.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
And the preceding year, 65% failed to beat their S&P 500 benchmark.
—Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
This is a solid first showing that should satisfy most consumers who aren't obsessed with benchmarks and maximum possible speed.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
-
The city of Blue Springs says these improvements are required to bring the plant into compliance with new environmental standards by 2030, which were set by state and federal regulators.—
Joseph Hernandez
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
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The other point is how the Marlins could replace a player of Alcantara’s talent for that modest-by-baseball-standards salary.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), located in Switzerland, chooses hurricane names several years in advance based on strict criteria.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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Ultimately, even when she’s supposed to play the most antagonistic female archetype, Darlene is simply too much of a mood and a vibe, and her fundamentally anti-Karen nature is good for TV but bad for the judging criteria in this challenge.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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