CRITERION Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of criterion are gauge , standard , touchstone , and yardstick . While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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 is 'gauge' a more appropriate choice than 'criterion'?

While in some cases nearly identical to criterion , 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 'standard' be used to replace 'criterion'?

Although the words standard and criterion have much in common, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority. // standards of behavior

Q: When is it sensible to use 'touchstone' instead of 'criterion'?

The meanings of touchstone and criterion largely overlap; however, 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 do 'yardstick' and 'criterion' relate to one another?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality. // housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

criterion

noun

krī-ˈtir-ē-ən

Definition of criterion next

as in standard

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in characteristic

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun criterion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of criterion are gauge, standard, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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 is gauge a more appropriate choice than criterion?

While in some cases nearly identical to criterion, 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 standard be used to replace criterion?

Although the words standard and criterion have much in common, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

When is it sensible to use touchstone instead of criterion?

The meanings of touchstone and criterion largely overlap; however, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another?

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 criterion That Ofcom record initially listed The Traitors Season 1 as having achieved Ofcom’s criteria of at least 50% of below-the-line talent being based in Scotland, but this was found upon a probe to be incorrect, although regardless that series would have qualified as out-of-London. —

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025 Implement Organizational Policy Changes Companies must implement structured promotion criteria that minimize subjective bias and create transparent paths to advancement. —

Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Canada and Mexico haven’t met the president’s criteria and could face steep hikes come February. —

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 22 Jan. 2025 Nobody, though, could ever say Deepdale — the world’s oldest football ground if the criteria is continuous use — is lacking history. —

Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for criterion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion

Noun

As such, the WHO could respond to Trump and ask what standards would satisfy the president to bring the U.S. back into the fold.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
In the preview, the pair sit on lawn chairs in what looks like the driveway of a suburban home, and discuss the fact that standards prohibit the depiction of alcohol consumption in a TV commercial, which prompts them to start counting down the seconds until the ad will be over.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025