Definition of barometernext
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared a legendary Broadway flop that has subsequently become the barometer by which failure in the theater is judged

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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 barometer Waffle House is a staple of Southern culture, appearing in song lyrics and on movie screens, and even serving as a federal barometer for severe weather events. — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 8 Sep. 2026 One Ghetto swiftly became three; and as long as Venice’s fortunes continued to worsen, their existence was all but guaranteed—so much so that, by the mid-seventeenth century, their status could well be regarded as a barometer of Venice’s decline. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Wood, barometers, and portraits bring warmth, history, and Southern personality. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 7 Sep. 2026 The price of gas has a large psychological impact on consumers and is often viewed as a barometer for the cost of living. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barometer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barometer
Noun
  • Those criteria include having an adequate footprint, ground seismology and access to large quantities of water.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • City staff determined the two projects would be competitive for the grant program after reviewing the program criteria and city priorities, according to the staff report.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act, establishing national rules for college athletics, which includes standards for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, athlete compensation, recruiting, eligibility, transferring and more.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Associated Press Seven major oil-exporting countries agreed Sunday to keep production steady in November at a time when the Iran war has driven the price of benchmark Brent crude oil above $100 a barrel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • However, the model’s final hardware requirements, downloadable weights, and independent benchmark results were not publicly available at the time of the announcement.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The measure would end the twice-yearly practice of changing clocks observed across most of the nation since the 1960s.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Many are calling for tougher measures — part of a broader rightward shift across Latin America, where security has become a defining political issue.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Barometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barometer. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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