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
The stakes escalate with a mordant velocity reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s revenge sagas, a point of reference that continues through the darkly funny — and patently absurd — coda that Aster tacks on to the end of his film’s pulse-pounding final shootout.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
As another point of reference, the Canon Pixma TR150, our current top pick for portable inkjets, was just a bit slower than the PJ883, but not by enough to matter in real world use, at 8.9ppm (1:28) for the full 12 pages in our test document.
—PC Magazine, 10 May 2025
Pamela Anderson's messy bun is a good point of reference.
—Liv Holland, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
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
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David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
As another point of reference, the Canon Pixma TR150, our current top pick for portable inkjets, was just a bit slower than the PJ883, but not by enough to matter in real world use, at 8.9ppm (1:28) for the full 12 pages in our test document.
—PC Magazine, 10 May 2025
Pamela Anderson's messy bun is a good point of reference.
—Liv Holland, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Point of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20reference. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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