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
Need a more contemporary point of reference for his work?
—
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
His light touch, fluidity and elegant lyricism at times suggest Pat Metheny, but as a point of reference, not a final destination, and his supple playing is a consistent delight.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Other Watch Auctions As a point of reference, the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, held May 10 and 11 in Switzerland, was a distinguished event with 188 lots sold, totaling $52,196,552.
—Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
For point of reference, Seth Lugo jumped from 65 innings to 146.1 after converting from reliever to starter with the Padres in 2023.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
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
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Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
His light touch, fluidity and elegant lyricism at times suggest Pat Metheny, but as a point of reference, not a final destination, and his supple playing is a consistent delight.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Other Watch Auctions As a point of reference, the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, held May 10 and 11 in Switzerland, was a distinguished event with 188 lots sold, totaling $52,196,552.
—Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
For point of reference, Seth Lugo jumped from 65 innings to 146.1 after converting from reliever to starter with the Padres in 2023.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Point of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20reference. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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