touchstone

as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared his book has long been a touchstone for travel writing that aspires to be literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun touchstone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of touchstone are criterion, gauge, standard, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

When could criterion be used to replace touchstone?

The words criterion and touchstone can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would gauge be a reasonable alternative to touchstone?

Although the words gauge and touchstone have much in common, 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 can standard be used instead of touchstone?

While the synonyms standard and touchstone are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another, in the sense of touchstone?

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 touchstone Opera is a touchstone for Ulloa because she’s spent much of her life toggling between art forms. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 Michael Hurley, the beloved eccentric folk singer whose music became a touchstone for a generation of singer-songwriters, has died at 83. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025 With its European architecture, rich textile history and cultural touchstones like the gaucho, there is plenty of inspiration for designers to pull from. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Over the last few years, reexamining the lives of women maligned by the media, from Marcia Clark to Britney Spears, has become something of a cultural touchstone, often to positive effect. Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
Noun
  • The group assigned to identify a new home, known as the Sundance Film Festival Location Task Force and was made up of both Sundance staff members and board members, narrowed that list down to 67 cities that met its initial criteria and submitted an RFI.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Titled Protecting Europe's Essential Societal Functions, the strategy calls for minimum preparedness criteria to be implemented among essential services such as hospitals, schools, transport and telecommunications.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And even with personnel changes, the standard doesn’t drop.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Public Safety Enhancements: Expanding public safety resources and facilities to maintain safety standards as the population grows.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There can be no assurances that an investor’s portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark.
    David Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Global benchmark Brent crude was trading at $61.44 per barrel on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in London, down nearly 17% year-to-date.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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