touchstone

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 touchstone In carrying out the makeover, the Birch is effectively doing away with the Hall of Fishes, an emotional touchstone for many aquarium-goers. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 The quiet effort amounts to an audacious — skeptics might say desperate — bet that Democrats can buy more cultural relevance online, despite the fact that casually right-leaning touchstones like Mr. Rogan’s podcast were not built by political donors and did not rise overnight. Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 20 May 2025 According to Parsons professor Anna Lerner-Zwick, Barneys’ legacy as a touchstone for the New York fashion community was the thread. Ari Stark, Footwear News, 20 May 2025 The key idea is there’s still potential for a movie based on this character to truly succeed and become a touchstone on the same level as the Dark Knight trilogy. Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
Noun
  • So far, since returning from Washington to her native state, Harris, 60, has displayed none of the above criteria that California needs in its next governor.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • Renters must meet a variety of sustainability criteria including solar panels, water flow reduction, renewable energy and recycling programs.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • As the company gears up to celebrate five years of redefining the industry standard, its mission for the future remains clear: bringing ideas to life and creating new revenue sources for small businesses.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • In response, Taiwan's hospitals are taking decisive action by integrating artificial intelligence and robotics to support their staff and maintain high standards of patient care.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Europe’s benchmark STOXX 600 index is up 9.4%.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • And it's been a benchmark for diversity and Asian stories on Broadway.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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