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 When the girls were reported missing, the investigation had not met Amber Alert criteria, officials said, but an Endangered Missing Persons Alert had been issued through the Washington State Patrol. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 27 June 2025 That fifth criterion is hard to measure in a restaurant like Lilo, which opened April 17. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 Under this complicated process, the Senate majority can avoid filibuster threats with a simple 51-vote majority, in exchange for meeting strict criteria that prohibits anything not directly related to the federal budget. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 25 June 2025 Auckland City is the reigning champion of the New Zealand National League and met the qualifying criteria in the most convincing fashion. James Nalton, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • Trying to fit into societal standards is a losing game, especially as a woman in pop.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Companies operating in Europe face substantial fines—potentially $100 million or more annually for some companies that can’t meet emissions standards.
    Nicole LeBlanc, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • This means the fruit from the seedling will closely resemble that of the parent plant in flavor and other characteristics.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Two other graves, isolated from the rest, show the same characteristics.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The new car will bolster safety to new benchmarks with an ergonomic driver cockpit to improve seating position, an integrated aeroscreen and a new roll hoop.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • The cryptocurrency exchange El Dorado — often used as a benchmark for Monitor Dólar — also shut down operations in Venezuela following the arrests.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Here are six features to compare and consider in a zero-interest card.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • One unique feature is the Pilates studio, which still reflects the club’s original architecture.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Now the mammoth measure heads back to the House, which narrowly passed its own version at the end of May.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The House measure aims to lower federal costs by freezing states' provider taxes at current rates and prohibiting them from establishing new provider taxes.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Easy to assemble and great quality for the price, the AeroPilates Reformer Premier Studio 700 is a solid entry point for beginners.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • The sound quality has also improved from previous AirPod generations.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, the study also found a correlation between breathing traits and a person’s mental health.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The list of spirits is long, each with their own physical attributes, epic folklore and methods of appeasement.
    Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
  • Using cryptographic tools like zero-knowledge proofs, individuals can verify specific identity attributes—like being over 18—without disclosing more than necessary.
    Steven Smith, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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