YARDSTICK Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of yardstick are criterion , gauge , standard , and touchstone . While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality. // housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

Q: When is 'criterion' a more appropriate choice than 'yardstick'?

The meanings of criterion and yardstick 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 might 'gauge' be a better fit than 'yardstick'?

The words gauge and yardstick are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would 'standard' be a good substitute for 'yardstick'?

While the synonyms standard and yardstick are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. // standards of behavior

Q: When could 'touchstone' be used to replace 'yardstick'?

While in some cases nearly identical to yardstick , touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible. // fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

yardstick

noun

ˈyärd-ˌstik

Definition of yardstick next

as in criterion

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared this essay will be the yardstick by which I grade the others

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun yardstick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of yardstick are criterion, gauge, standard, and touchstone. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

When is criterion a more appropriate choice than yardstick?

The meanings of criterion and yardstick 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 might gauge be a better fit than yardstick?

The words gauge and yardstick are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would standard be a good substitute for yardstick?

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

standards of behavior

When could touchstone be used to replace yardstick?

While in some cases nearly identical to yardstick, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

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 yardstick California got a below-average No. 30 ranking among the states when my trusty spreadsheet looked at eight yardsticks of economic well-being from a business perspective. —

Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 The details Here’s how the Golden State scored in those five workplace yardsticks … Quits: Lots of management research shows that bad bosses are a top reason why workers leave. —

Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 20 Nov. 2024 But those and other overbought stocks could be due for a pullback, according to one popular yardstick. —

Pia Singh, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Ramos shoves a yardstick in his hand and a tricorn on his head. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for yardstick

Recent Examples of Synonyms for yardstick

Noun

For example, the Academy’s admission process broadens opportunities for minorities by expanding the candidate pool early on, inviting more qualified candidates to advance while maintaining rigorous, race-neutral criteria for the final selection.

Corinne Post, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
The rule, which was later struck down in court, broadened the criteria for a joint employer relationship in a way that would have made companies potentially liable for the hiring practices of subcontractors.

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024