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
The latter reference point is particularly evident in the bespoke, durable, and recycled stainless steel hardware—like the elegant strap on the Nox clutch, which brings to mind a vintage watch band.
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Freya Drohan, Vogue, 17 June 2024
That makes for an odd reference point for this kind of material: Malick’s cinema is nothing if not compassionate, while Asphalt City is mired in the misery of its milieu.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024
This experience has formed in part and parcel the Kurdish national consciousness and remains a reference point for Kurdish nationalism.
—Galip Dalay, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2017
Paintings by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Giotto have made Assisi a fundamental reference point for the development of Italian and European art and architecture.
—Elisa Carassai, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for reference point 
Freya Drohan, Vogue, 17 June 2024
That makes for an odd reference point for this kind of material: Malick’s cinema is nothing if not compassionate, while Asphalt City is mired in the misery of its milieu.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024
This experience has formed in part and parcel the Kurdish national consciousness and remains a reference point for Kurdish nationalism.
—Galip Dalay, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2017
Paintings by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Giotto have made Assisi a fundamental reference point for the development of Italian and European art and architecture.
—Elisa Carassai, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for reference point
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reference point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Reference point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference%20point. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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