Synonyms of benchmark

benchmark

noun

ˈbench-ˌmärk 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deviation
• abnormality
• aberration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of benchmark

City’s deep pockets and determination to recruit Anderson helped Forest extract a record fee for a British player — which in turn was used as a benchmark for Rogers’ sale by Villa to another of the few clubs with enough money to close a deal. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2026

The conflict on Thursday pushed global benchmark oil prices to over $100 per barrel, their highest level since May. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 24 July 2026

But fed funds futures trading is also pricing in a sizable likelihood — 35% — that the central bank will lift its benchmark borrowing rate a quarter percentage point as soon as next week, according to the CME FedWatch tool . — Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 July 2026

The Federal Reserve will keep its benchmark rate steady for the rest of the year, according to the median forecasts of economists polled by Reuters. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 24 July 2026