reference point
noun
: something that is used to judge or understand something else
The professor used the study as a reference point for evaluating and discussing other theories.
Examples of reference point in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Coker uses her British, Nigerian and Yoruba heritage as a key reference point in her work.
—
Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
In a ruse that, for lack of a more astute reference point here, feels very Don Draper-coded, Rose poses as the dear male soldier who died next to her in battle, figuring why waste the deeds to perfectly decent land, or his name.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Five years later, the February 2021 freeze remains a defining reference point each winter when temperatures plunge.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026
The notes in those papers, Bielsa’s observations of what to do in specific situations, remained a reference point for Roofe at later stages in his career.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference point
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Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
In a ruse that, for lack of a more astute reference point here, feels very Don Draper-coded, Rose poses as the dear male soldier who died next to her in battle, figuring why waste the deeds to perfectly decent land, or his name.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Five years later, the February 2021 freeze remains a defining reference point each winter when temperatures plunge.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026
The notes in those papers, Bielsa’s observations of what to do in specific situations, remained a reference point for Roofe at later stages in his career.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference point
Cite this Entry
“Reference point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference%20point. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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