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 After all, this is a Nashville agency that’s grappled with plenty of turbulence directly related to its grant-making process, so much so that the city determined the commission must be granted approval for its award criteria by the Metro Nashville Council. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025 The seaside site in Gloucester satisfied all these criteria. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 Unlike traditional award programs, Rings doesn't have specific criteria or categories. PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 The Lifestraw fit that criterion nicely. Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • The coaching staff enforces a heightened standard of execution.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Along with passing the map, the Utah legislature passed a bill on redistricting standards that amends Proposition 4, the law that came into play when Utah courts ruled the map needed to be redistricted.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So yes, this is a very unique characteristic of choux.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Brian Stablein, then in his second season as an Indianapolis receiver, saw similar characteristics.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From an equity perspective, Slater noted, there are a few possible benchmarks.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
  • That marks the 12th time since 1953 that the benchmark index has had such a strong performance over that period of time.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In Monica Hooper is an award-winning features writer specializing in entertainment news for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Security Camera Deals The Arlo Pro 5S 2K is currently at a 46% discount, which makes its premium features feel like a much better buy.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Scoring five times with four assists in the six league games so far equates to a goal involvement every 57 and a half minutes for the Colombia winger; a triumph by any measure.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Arlinda Hanna, 45, acknowledged DOGE measures were affecting swaths of people in Northern Virgina, even those who didn’t lose their job.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Ndiaye, stationed on the right, had more space to conjure the game-winning moment of quality.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • More importantly, both people have to actually want to share the role, which is a trait that doesn’t always align with personalities drawn to being a CEO.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those attributes — earning Piccioli a reputation in fashion as one of its great romantics — were also apparent in his designs for Balenciaga, which incorporated plenty of thoughtful details that referenced the archive.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • One of Lipa’s most significant attributes is the husky tone of her mezzo-soprano, lending a gritty roughness to her songs’ pop polish.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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