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
However, trade fairs are an excellent point of reference: the sectors not close to ours offer applicable ideas and improvements.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
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
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.
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Point of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20reference. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share