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

Examples 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

This year, a majority of commission members found all 69 judges eligible for retention on the Nov. 5 ballot statewide met the performance standards for being on the bench. —

Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Created in 2011, the standard known as the LCFS sets carbon intensity benchmarks. —

Rob Nikolewski, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

From a recommendation by former US President Barack Obama in The New York Times to a Netflix adaptation that premiered this year, Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem trilogy has become the standard bearer for the mainstream success of Chinese science fiction (SF). —

H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 5 Nov. 2024 Incorporating green spaces, mixed-use elements and community amenities such as playgrounds or retail spaces can turn a standard development into a vibrant community hub. —

Meyer Orbach, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for standard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard

Noun

Earlier this year, the Academy changed the criteria for Songwriter of the Year to make the award more open to artists who also write songs for other artists.

Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Each outlet and agency creates their own criteria for interpreting these results.

Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024