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
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Recent Examples of benchmark
To reduce the impacts of global warming, like the ones present on the Connecticut coastline, Save the Sound suggests that shifts towards renewable energy and carbon reductions in the transportation industry are key for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reaching future GWSA benchmarks.
—
Maleena Muzio, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
When that happens, the interest picture could get even worse than if the Fed hadn’t lowered its benchmark rate in the first place—via its failure to make the tough choice that combating inflation comes first.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
This, claims Bang & Olufsen, sets a new benchmark in earbud performance and compares favorably with the 500 cycles that is standard in most consumer electronics.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
While Kaiser surpassed the benchmark, even its numbers have dropped sharply.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Maleena Muzio, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
When that happens, the interest picture could get even worse than if the Fed hadn’t lowered its benchmark rate in the first place—via its failure to make the tough choice that combating inflation comes first.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
This, claims Bang & Olufsen, sets a new benchmark in earbud performance and compares favorably with the 500 cycles that is standard in most consumer electronics.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
While Kaiser surpassed the benchmark, even its numbers have dropped sharply.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
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Meanwhile, responsible hemp retailers that already use age restrictions, third-party testing and labeling standards are pushed out of the market, even for many nonintoxicating products.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Harmon is the all-time leader in assists at Texas, and she is situated to set her school's steals standard within the next couple of weeks.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Matching lounge sets meet all the criteria of a great one-and-done airport outfit — they’re made from soft material, don’t require outfit planning, and actually look cute.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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The government did not release the text of the bill Friday, leaving unclear the specific criteria that will be used to determine who qualifies for amnesty.—
Regina Garcia Cano,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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