as in standards
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 benchmarks
Enforceable milestone deadlines tied directly to federal disbursements, so money flows only when benchmarks are met.
—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
This scorecard will mandate clear benchmarks in every contract, with funding shifts triggered by actual housing outcomes.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Forming a union requires recognition of employment, among other benchmarks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
Ridestore said the Spartan jacket relies on non-PFAS alternatives that still meet the brand’s performance benchmarks.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Private contracts will include strict benchmarks and termination clauses, so the city is always accountable to outcomes.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
One idea is to require AI companies to run and then publish sycophancy audits of their models – tests that show how well their products meet honesty benchmarks.
—Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Varma doesn’t think differences in synthetic browser benchmarks are particularly important.
—Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
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
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
This scorecard will mandate clear benchmarks in every contract, with funding shifts triggered by actual housing outcomes.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Forming a union requires recognition of employment, among other benchmarks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
Ridestore said the Spartan jacket relies on non-PFAS alternatives that still meet the brand’s performance benchmarks.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Private contracts will include strict benchmarks and termination clauses, so the city is always accountable to outcomes.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
One idea is to require AI companies to run and then publish sycophancy audits of their models – tests that show how well their products meet honesty benchmarks.
—Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Varma doesn’t think differences in synthetic browser benchmarks are particularly important.
—Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmarks
Noun
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The Joint Commission, widely regarded as the gold standard in health care, evaluates organizations through rigorous and often unannounced inspections, ensuring that patient care, safety protocols, and clinical operations consistently meet the highest standards.—
Ascend Agency,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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Today, some of the most beloved musicals of the American theater can sometimes seem outmoded and vaguely inappropriate, since society’s standards have changed radically in the last 60 years.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Bidding registration is open through June 9, and EJ’s will schedule private viewings for collectors who have met the bidder’s criteria.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management announced its new Local Air Quality Advisory, which will alert Hoosiers of short-term conditions that can become unhealthy for several hours but don’t meet the criteria for an Air Quality Action Day.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Both metrics beat analysts’ consensus estimates.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
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Beyond business metrics, Cherukuri’s ventures are increasingly focused on social and environmental impact.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benchmarks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmarks. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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