criterion

1 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 bar, barometer, benchmark, standard, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, touchstone, yardstickRelated Words case, example, instance; average, norm, rule; acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenithNear Antonyms aberration, abnormality, deviation

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