as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared a legendary Broadway flop that has subsequently become the barometer by which failure in the theater is judged

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of barometer An important part of managing the psychological issues is maintaining perspective by using methodologies such as IAMs and carbon barometers. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The trend is a rough barometer of women’s progress and the evolving vista of possibilities in their lives. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 These recurring revenues are steady, received regularly, and can be considered a better barometer of a company’s financial performance, and a better basis for planning and forecasting. David Moin, Footwear News, 6 June 2025 The report could be a barometer of how much, if any, businesses are delaying hiring due to tariffs. Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for barometer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barometer
Noun
  • At the same time, interest rates and stricter lending criteria have significantly increased the cost of borrowing, which is often a lifeline for small businesses to grow—and even survive.
    Juliana Berger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Apple can certainly afford to cherry-pick projects, choosing only to work with top directors and major stars on films that meet a certain criteria.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Trying to fit into societal standards is a losing game, especially as a woman in pop.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Companies operating in Europe face substantial fines—potentially $100 million or more annually for some companies that can’t meet emissions standards.
    Nicole LeBlanc, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Tesla shares are down 13% since the end of May, just before Musk and Trump began publicly arguing, a period in which the S&P 500 benchmark is up 5%.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The index is equal weighted, meaning each stock starts off as 2.5% the value of the overall benchmark.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Now the mammoth measure heads back to the House, which narrowly passed its own version at the end of May.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The House measure aims to lower federal costs by freezing states' provider taxes at current rates and prohibiting them from establishing new provider taxes.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Barometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barometer. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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