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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Recent Examples of benchmark
Barnett pointed to Georgia, which has a universal pre-K program and, this year, became the largest program in the country to meet at 10 of NIEER’s benchmarks for quality.
—
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
International benchmark Brent Crude topped $112 dollars on Tuesday.
—CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
International oil benchmark Brent also jumped sharply in early trading, rising to nearly $113 per barrel.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
The global oil benchmark crept up to $111 a barrel in early trading Tuesday.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
International benchmark Brent Crude topped $112 dollars on Tuesday.
—CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
International oil benchmark Brent also jumped sharply in early trading, rising to nearly $113 per barrel.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
The global oil benchmark crept up to $111 a barrel in early trading Tuesday.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
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Buried inside it is a provision that would strip states and communities of the authority to set animal welfare standards and food safety standards for agricultural products sold within their borders.—
Jesse Plunkett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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The following year, the Swiss Mad watch—sporting a case made from a composite infused with real Swiss cheese and a red fumé dial echoing the Swiss flag—mocked the loose standards behind the Swiss Made label, which require only half a watch’s components originate in the country.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Applying these criteria uniformly across evaluated communities can create a limited view of local economic conditions.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Randazzo said the criteria for issuing tickets has also been overhauled.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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