Synonyms of barometer

barometer

noun

bə-ˈrä-mə-tər 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• criterion
• standard
• benchmark
• measure
• metric
• yardstick
• touchstone
• example
• gold standard
• grade
• par
• instance
• rule
• bar
• mark
• average
• norm
• case
• pinnacle
• apex
• peak
• summit
• meridian
• zenith
• acme

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deviation
• abnormality
• aberration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of barometer

My barometer will always be whether the AI is the tail that’s wagging the dog. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Its People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the attendees rather than being chosen by a jury, is a barometer of Oscar buzz worth keeping an eye on. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

But despite its relatively small following, Yabloko – as the only anti-war party among those initially approved to compete – could have served as a barometer of antipathy toward Russia’s conduct of its war in Ukraine. — Regina Smyth, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2026

In a way, the success Andrae does or doesn’t experience in Toronto could be a barometer of the new vision Chayka has for the Leafs’ blue line. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026