point of reference
noun phrase
: something that is used to judge or understand something else
The professor used the study as a point of reference for evaluating and discussing other theories.
Examples of point of reference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As a point of reference, iMessage has long been secure, but SMS has not.
—
David Phelan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
This style point of reference might be perfectly matched by Steve McQueen or even Paul Newman.
—Tim Moffatt, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Furniture and housewares can serve as a point of reference for understanding how a room can be laid out, used, and enjoyed.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Bühler says those were a big point of reference too.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
As a point of reference, 13 Republicans voted again the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
—Lynn Mucenski Keck, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
When the first scene of a movie involves a literal disembowelment, complete with visible intestines, Stand by Me is an unlikely point of reference.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Because of Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s background in Baltimore’s system, Hamilton is a good point of reference.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
The concept of sea level as an average is only one step in the long-term pursuit of a point of reference in a space that is never at rest, Hardenberg writes.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
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David Phelan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
This style point of reference might be perfectly matched by Steve McQueen or even Paul Newman.
—Tim Moffatt, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Furniture and housewares can serve as a point of reference for understanding how a room can be laid out, used, and enjoyed.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Bühler says those were a big point of reference too.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
As a point of reference, 13 Republicans voted again the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
—Lynn Mucenski Keck, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
When the first scene of a movie involves a literal disembowelment, complete with visible intestines, Stand by Me is an unlikely point of reference.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Because of Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s background in Baltimore’s system, Hamilton is a good point of reference.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
The concept of sea level as an average is only one step in the long-term pursuit of a point of reference in a space that is never at rest, Hardenberg writes.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Point of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20reference. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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