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 Even if investors are slightly more confident this week, after Trump backed off most of his harshest tariff rates, the changes in people’s life-style habits serve as their own kind of affective barometer. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2025 During his first term, Mr. Trump often referred to the stock market as a barometer of success for his presidency. Irineo Cabreros, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 His approval is viewed as a key barometer of how Americans feel about the administration. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Virginia’s elections have also served as a barometer for the hot-button issues shaping swing voters’ decisions. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barometer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barometer
Noun
  • The current criteria for the board's members includes a requirement for two female members and two members who are racial minorities.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
  • The track record of the committees that will decide on Rose and Bonds and Clemens indicates that those voters believe in criteria beyond statistics, so jumping to the immediate conclusion — Rose is getting in! — may be no sure thing.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In the modern business ecosystem, compliance with laws, adherence to accounting standards and transparency in financial reporting reflect the same principle.
    Pankaj Vasani, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Municipal programs instead fall under the umbrella of local governments, which set their own standards — like whether counselors receive background checks or whether water quality is tested.
    Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • One common misstep: assuming bigger models and better benchmarks translate to a better user experience.
    Shiva Chandrashekher, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.23%, while the Topix added 0.12% after Japan’s economy contracted 0.2% quarter-on-quarter for the three months ended March.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Created through a bipartisan measure signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the lifeline serves veterans and non-English speakers in addition to LGBTQ+ young people.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Both sides repeatedly accused each other of massive violations until the measure expired.
    DASHA LITVINOVA, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Barometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barometer. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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