GAUGE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of gauge are criterion , standard , touchstone , and yardstick . While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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 is 'criterion' a more appropriate choice than 'gauge'?

While the synonyms criterion and gauge are close in meaning, 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 could 'standard' be used to replace 'gauge'?

While in some cases nearly identical to gauge , standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. // standards of behavior

Q: Where would 'touchstone' be a reasonable alternative to 'gauge'?

The synonyms touchstone and gauge are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'gauge'?

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

gauge 1 of 2

verb

variants also gage

Definition of gauge next

as in to calculate

to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement glance over the pattern and try to gauge how much fabric you'll need

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to measure

to find out the size, extent, or amount of very difficult to gauge how upset he really is by his controlled reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

gauge

2 of 2

noun

variants also gage

as in indicator

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in touchstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gauge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gauge are criterion, standard, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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 is criterion a more appropriate choice than gauge?

While the synonyms criterion and gauge are close in meaning, 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 could standard be used to replace gauge?

While in some cases nearly identical to gauge, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

Where would touchstone be a reasonable alternative to gauge?

The synonyms touchstone and gauge are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 gauge?

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 gauge

Verb

Hikers can gauge hypothermia risk, and backpackers can plan out how to prepare for a heat wave or look up how to temporarily set a broken bone. —

Hayden Field, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025 Asus showcased it at CES 2025 to gauge interest in potentially expanding it to other regions. —

John Burek, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge showed a rate of 2.4% in November but was at 2.8% when excluding food and energy, a core measure that officials see as a better long-run indicator. —

Jeff Cox, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025 In the future, Watch Duty hopes to explore the use of other types of data, such as river gauges, tsunami buoys and earthquakes. —

Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gauge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gauge

Verb

But experts have warned that more efforts, including regulatory reforms and new ways of calculating risk, are necessary to solve the state's property insurance crisis.

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The Trump administration’s order to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans prompted confusion across state capitols and local government offices on Tuesday, leaving them at a loss on how to even calculate its impact.

— J. David Goodman, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2025