Synonyms of criterion

criterion

noun

krī-ˈtir-ē-ən 

1

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

• standard
• benchmark
• measure
• metric
• rule
• example
• yardstick
• touchstone
• gold standard
• grade
• norm
• barometer
• instance
• par
• mark
• bar
• average
• case
• pinnacle
• apex
• meridian
• peak
• summit
• zenith
• acme

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deviation
• abnormality
• aberration

2

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

• characteristic
• feature
• quality
• trait
• attribute
• attribution
• hallmark
• property
• mark
• specific
• marker
• peculiarity
• particularity
• fingerprint
• character
• point
• stamp
• symbol
• affection
• touch
• differentia
• indication
• diagnostic
• note
• sign
• virtue
• merit
• badge
• token
• emblem
• excellence
• grace
• uniqueness
• eccentricity
• singularity
• charm
• individuality
• idiosyncrasy
• quirk
• oddity

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

Recent Examples of criterion

This assessment is built on a late 2025 regulatory milestone, during which the agency approved the core engineering design criteria for the system. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026

Recipients must meet strict criteria, including no criminal record and renew their eligibility every two years. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Negrón’s complaint also accuses Domenech of using partisan criteria when discussing fiduciary roles at the economic development agency. —Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026

In practical terms, this means making coachability a first-order hiring criterion — not a nice-to-have, but a gate. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026