TOUCHSTONE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

touchstone

noun

ˈtəch-ˌstōn

Definition of touchstone next

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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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

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 touchstone The group has remained a cultural touchstone since then, with their music still regularly appearing in movies, sporting events, and video games. —

Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024 Murphy says that 1939 classic was a particular pop culture touchstone that inspired him and his writing partners Jon Robin Baitz (Feud: Capote Vs. the Swans) and Joe Baken (Doctor Odyssey). —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 As society becomes more connected, the World’s Best Bars list has become a cultural touchstone, charting the shifting tastes of discerning drinkers. —

Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 As a rare monocultural touchstone, Halloween should be treasured for its offline traditions. —

Kate Lindsay, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for touchstone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone

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
The criteria will primarily focus on whether voters have correctly updated their registration or meet eligibility requirements for overseas voting.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024