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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In California, this pay yardstick at $93,250 annually ranks third-highest in the nation compared to $70,035 nationally. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 22 June 2024 The fifth brightest star in the night sky and about 25 light-years away, this blue star is a yardstick for judging stars’ apparent magnitude or brightness. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 That lofty valuation, as well as wild swings in its stock price, have prompted some analysts to compare the business with meme stocks, or companies that trade on social media buzz instead of traditional financial yardsticks such as revenue growth and profitability. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2024 Young women are most at risk of suffering from ageism, with older managers biased against them because they are seen as lacking experience, while young men are often judged by a different yardstick, Thomas and Krivkovich said. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for yardstick 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yardstick
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
Noun
  • Despite a lack of funding for even basic educational necessities, and school district leaders who only care about the barest minimum standards, these educators are united by their drive to surpass expectations and encourage their students to do the same.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Companies providing this technology for use outside health-care settings aren’t bound by those same privacy regulations or ethical standards.
    Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Similarly, the Blender CPU and GPU benchmarks showed the Falcon Northwest Talon's Intel and Nvidia parts safely ahead of the M4 Pro.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • As of Wednesday, Wall Street traders were nearly unanimous that the Fed would cut the federal funds rate, which acts as a benchmark for other borrowing rates in the economy, by a quarter-point.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Statewide, after national media for years showed images of thieves ransacking drug stores, Californians approved a ballot measure that tightened penalties on theft.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • There was no formal campaign opposing the ballot measure, though during the 2023 legislative session, some Republican lawmakers voted against a ballot measure.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near yardstick

Cite this Entry

“Yardstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yardstick. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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