CRITERIA Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

criteria

noun

variants also criterions

plural of criterion

as in standards

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in characteristics

something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 criteria Its Cloud Sovereignty Framework assesses providers against 48 criteria covering legal control, data, operations and supply chains. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Among the criteria are low withdrawal and failure numbers for those students. — Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 Park district staff will use a list of criteria, including how popular programs are and what percentage the district is recovering of its cost, in determining where fees should be set. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 The criteria being drawn up reward how a garment is made rather than what it’s made from, and the discount needs to be big enough to change what brands actually buy. — Erik Lagerblad, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 People with circadian depression were also more likely to report a bipolar disorder diagnosis and to meet criteria for atypical depression, a type marked in part by sleeping too much and weight gain, says Kruse. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society released new diagnostic criteria in 2024 that Solomon said more physicians should become familiar with to better distinguish MS from problems like migraines or vascular disease. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 Yes, states can choose whether to participate and identify SGOs that meet the federal criteria, but that is where states’ freedom ends. — Denise Forte, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026 Studies have estimated that anywhere between 25% and 35% of the patient population would meet the current clinical criteria for gene therapy. — Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criteria

Noun

To ensure top-tier data protection, the whole system is developed and operated under ISO 27001 standards, as per the release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
Bowles distinguished between the legal standards for criminal prosecution and the university’s responsibility to address conduct that could threaten student safety or violate campus regulations.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of standards

Noun

Researchers examined material imperfections and electrical characteristics that can introduce parasitic effects.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
Galland embellished his ghouls with new characteristics not found in the original Arabic, chiefly the macabre practice of digging up graves to feast on human flesh.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of characteristics

Noun

As the initiative develops, these criteria could provide a foundation for future discussions about common benchmarks or guidelines, ideally involving stakeholders from across the industry.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
From their perspective, math problems are practical benchmarks to measure the capabilities of their products.

— Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of benchmarks

Noun

Levy, now 79, credits Cheshire Academy in part with giving him the independence, curiosity and confidence to take chances, all qualities that helped carve his path to success.

— Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
But in their more than 50 million years on Earth, these maligned creatures have developed some admirable qualities, too.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualities

Noun

For families prioritizing space, practical features, and a more premium cabin without moving into a full-size SUV, this New Atlas writer thinks the new Atlas deserves a place on the shopping list.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
The MacBook screens have always been top-notch, meeting P3 color-gamut standards despite being IPS panels, and some have adopted additional features like True Tone ambient color adjustment.

— Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of features

Noun

These attributes will be increasingly important when robots are deployed to rescue sites and even used in less dangerous settings like hospitality and in multilevel offices, factories and houses.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
Lenat’s team was wary of the pitfalls of vesting their machine with human attributes.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of attributes

Noun

Researchers have not identified which traits make someone more likely to form the antibodies, and Yang said antibody formation has not been linked to other health effects.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
But he’s shown to be a perfect fit in Dan Hurley’s system with many of the same traits as the beloved Huskies’ captain.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of traits

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criteria

criterion

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“Criteria.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criteria. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of criteria

noun

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