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
In taxonomy, this geographic naming convention ties a species to a type locality, giving future researchers a clear reference point for where the organism was first documented.
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Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
For those venturing farther, La Factoría in Old San Juan remains a reference point for cocktails and late-night energy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Attention to continuity and long-term viability offers a practical reference point for running companies that endure.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Nearby support from the daily cloud, currently in the $68 to $71 range, reinforces the uptrend and offers a reference point for stop-loss placement and risk management.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference point
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Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
For those venturing farther, La Factoría in Old San Juan remains a reference point for cocktails and late-night energy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Attention to continuity and long-term viability offers a practical reference point for running companies that endure.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Nearby support from the daily cloud, currently in the $68 to $71 range, reinforces the uptrend and offers a reference point for stop-loss placement and risk management.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 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 2 Mar. 2026.
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