BENCHMARK Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

benchmark

noun

ˈbench-ˌmärk

Definition of benchmark

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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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 benchmark Spot prices reflect real-time market trading and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs and retail bullion pricing. — Usa Today, USA Today, 2 July 2026 In the company’s comparison, a 2023 Pixel Fold was tested against an ASUS RS720A-E11 server using SPEC benchmarks, and the Pixel’s large cores beat the baseline data-center server core in several cases. — New Atlas, 2 July 2026 The timelines are just different, and finding analogous industries to benchmark defense companies against is not easy. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 2 July 2026 But some experts worry that the focus on specific physical-activity benchmarks could turn some kids off exercise. — Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for benchmark

Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark

Noun

Still, the legal standard for charging law enforcement for a shooting in the line of duty remains high, and no criminal charges have been filed against any immigration enforcement officer involved in this year’s fatal traffic stop cases.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday ordered a temporary halt to new large-scale data center projects while the state develops stricter standards governing their energy, water and environmental impacts.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of standard

Noun

Candidates receiving the funding must abide by expenditure limits and adhere to the criteria set by statute, ordinance or charter to demonstrate broad support, such as demonstrate a large number of small dollar contributions.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Critics say the test rewards the smallest slice of the problem while ignoring Scope 3, the 80% to 95% of a producer's emissions that come from burning its fuel, and note the criteria echo the oil industry's own lobbying.

— Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of criterion

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benches

benchmark

benchmarks

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“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of benchmark

noun

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