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Definition of standardnext
1
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared the animation in that movie set the standard against which all later animated cartoons were judged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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3
as in normal
what is typical of a group, class, or series somewhat shorter than the standard for boys that age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in morality
standards plural the code of good conduct for an individual or group a life guided by high standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

standard

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun standard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of standard are criterion, gauge, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

In what contexts can criterion take the place of standard?

The meanings of criterion and standard largely overlap; however, criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

When can gauge be used instead of standard?

While the synonyms gauge and standard are close in meaning, gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

When could touchstone be used to replace standard?

While in some cases nearly identical to standard, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How are the words yardstick and criterion related as synonyms of standard?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

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 standard
Noun
Not everything needs to be reduced to a minimalist standard or a capsule wardrobe with each new season. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 So forcing our customers into one standard might not always meet their needs. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Adjective
Developed from inexpensive materials and standard paint manufacturing processes, this glue can be easily scaled up for mass production. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026 That created a gap between the standard customers expected and what a fast-moving operation might accidentally deliver. Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard
Noun
  • Workforce demographic data enables employers to design lawful DEI strategies to reduce barriers to equal opportunity, such as implementing broader recruitment measures or ensuring that all hiring criteria are job-related.
    Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • Both the Long Range and the Citizens Bond Advisory committees were tasked with coming up with the criteria that would be used by the district to make recommendations.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The kit features black shorts and the signature red and white striped jersey, while off-the-field gear includes black hoodies, T-shirts and baseball hats, in addition to scarves evoking the bloke-core aesthetics, and a flag.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
  • Another promotional video for Rededicate 250 blends various Christian and American imagery — scenes of a cross laid on an American flag, a robed choir, people raising their hands in worship — along with a brief scene of a man praying while wearing a Jewish skullcap.
    Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The problem was the new normal of having a steady life.
    Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
  • Following a burst of gang violence in 2022, Bukele announced a then-temporary state of emergency, which has become the new normal in the Central American nation as it's been extended for years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Allegations of sovereignty violations, civilian casualties, and lack of due process have prompted debates about the legality and morality of drone warfare under international humanitarian law.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • This dark psychological thriller about guilt, obsession, truth and morality arises out of just a single conversation between strangers who happen to sit next to one another.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Cavs, who were bounced in five games out of the second round last year, were 15-14 in late December and battling their usual mix of injuries.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • General Daily Insight for May 17, 2026 Fresh thinking moves faster than our usual filters today.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The typical lifespan of a tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) battery is about 7–10 years.
    Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • At NBCUniversal’s upfront on May 11, as has become typical for this time of year, Bravo flooded the zone.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Its goal was to commercialize early-stage technologies too risky for conventional finance.
    David H. Hsu, Fortune, 11 May 2026
  • Wilson operated outside of conventional narrative, trusting in the magic of unexpected illogic.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Spot prices reflect real-time market trading and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs and retail bullion pricing.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • Consumer Reports’ water filter pitcher ratings are a useful benchmark for comparing pitchers side by side, but won’t tell you whether a pitcher is the right choice at all.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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