Entry Word: standard

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared <the animation in that movie set the standard against which all later animated cartoons were judged>

Synonyms benchmark, criterion, grade, mark, measure, par, touchstone, yardstick

Related Words rule; case, example, instance; acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

Near Antonyms aberration, abnormality, deviation

2 a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling <a ship flying the queen's standard> — see flag 1
3 what is typical of a group, class, or series <somewhat shorter than the standard for boys that age> — see average
4 standards pluralthe code of good conduct for an individual or group <a life guided by high standards> — see ethics