as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years
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Recent Examples of benchmark
About one-third of choice students met English language arts benchmarks on the test, while less than 30% were proficient in math.
—
Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The certification reinforces Mud Jeans’ role as an industry leader in circular fashion and sets a new benchmark for denim, according to the brand.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
By reducing its benchmark, the Fed can gradually push down borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and business credit, giving households and companies some relief.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Legal and innovation scholars worldwide often view the European agency as the gold standard for patent quality, and scholars use European drug patents as high-quality benchmarks when evaluating U.S. drug patents.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The certification reinforces Mud Jeans’ role as an industry leader in circular fashion and sets a new benchmark for denim, according to the brand.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
By reducing its benchmark, the Fed can gradually push down borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and business credit, giving households and companies some relief.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Legal and innovation scholars worldwide often view the European agency as the gold standard for patent quality, and scholars use European drug patents as high-quality benchmarks when evaluating U.S. drug patents.
—Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
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The coaching staff enforces a heightened standard of execution.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Along with passing the map, the Utah legislature passed a bill on redistricting standards that amends Proposition 4, the law that came into play when Utah courts ruled the map needed to be redistricted.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The dietary recommendations were based on data about risks of preventable diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, not environmental criteria.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
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What are the admission criteria for competitive MPS high schools?—
Rory Linnane,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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