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 And what is stopping Trump from expanding his criteria for such treatment, beyond those accused of violent crime to other activities deemed offensive to the president? Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 In 2024, another Brazilian producer won again – this time a farm practicing regenerative agriculture without certification but meeting our assessment criteria. Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The police department said the warning calls did not meet the criteria for a police intervention. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 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 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
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
  • Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • There can be no assurances that an investor’s portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark.
    David Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a sprawling document of balance changes, quality-of-life tweaks, and major new features.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Going for a cut that accentuates your best facial features and hair texture can be a foolproof way to walk out of the hair salon feeling happy.
    Julie Ricevuto, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Idahoans spend more on groceries than residents of any other state, according to one measure.
    Daniel Schrager, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Yet Trump was unhappy over plans for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff during his inauguration after Biden ordered the measure of respect following Carter’s death for 30 days - something that’s been done following a presidential death since 1954.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rumored to be a favorite among celebrity amber lovers like Billie Eilish and Kristin Bell, the long-lasting oil takes on a slightly different quality depending on who wears it.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • For example, a plant may attract the same pests or wind pollination can impact the quality of differing varieties of the same plant.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Scientists create these animals by engineering DNA that matches important traits of the extinct animal into a modern animal's DNA sequence.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In an era of constant change, global complexity and ever-rising expectations, trust has become the defining trait of exceptional leadership.
    Alejandro Bravo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Counsell’s decision to hire Quintin Berry away from the Milwaukee Brewers may have taken those attributes to another level.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • An attribute that Buffett considers to be the hallmark of the highest achievers.
    Steve Taplin, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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