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
People with the poorest health habits were used as a reference point.
—
Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 13 Jan. 2026
His success as a businessman acted as a reference point when the going got really tough back home in the subsequent weeks, months and years.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
That structure is what allows federal guidance to serve as a credible reference point for states, clinicians and parents.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026
The bottom line Paying $85 to $95 for 1 ounce of silver represents the current realistic range for most standard bullion products, with the spot price of about $75 serving as your baseline reference point.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reference point
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Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 13 Jan. 2026
His success as a businessman acted as a reference point when the going got really tough back home in the subsequent weeks, months and years.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
That structure is what allows federal guidance to serve as a credible reference point for states, clinicians and parents.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026
The bottom line Paying $85 to $95 for 1 ounce of silver represents the current realistic range for most standard bullion products, with the spot price of about $75 serving as your baseline reference point.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 2026.
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