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

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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 Like Pompano High, Hallandale students will apply and meet certain academic criteria to get in and stay in. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 But questions linger with respect to eligibility criteria, the prior authorization process and cost of the program. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In a 2025 study of nearly 1,000 patients diagnosed with lung cancer, only 35% would have qualified for screening under the current criteria. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026 And every new generation brings its own point of view and criteria to the argument. — Dan Woike, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The new law narrows the definition of transgender people to recognized sociocultural communities or those meeting specific biological criteria, and grants the state the authority to determine who qualifies. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 Bars are selected on a variety of criteria including decor, creativity and customer service. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 With the advent of breed standards and clubs in the early 1900s, an official criteria for a proper Lab, such as otter tails, water resistant coats and wide skulls, became more concrete. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Speaking of selection criteria, there’s obviously a big discussion around the use of artificial intelligence in cinema. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criteria

Noun

The Pisces Moon in your 7th House of Partnership opposes Venus in Virgo, making another person’s needs hard to ignore while your own standards get louder.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the city will work on outreach to get vacant properties registered while putting together a guide explaining what the standards are for owners.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of standards

Noun

Hoyos said the move was made because Rios Novo, who was Miami’s starter during its MLS Cup championship run, has characteristics that better suit the team’s playing style.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Definition of characteristics

Noun

But the current facility lacks features like a gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field and an auditorium, which Stewart said are important for a well-rounded educational environment.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
The licensed players and NIL concept revived the college game, but complicated features like this beloved one.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of features

Noun

Reese and Styles were this draft’s best athletes, and there were other safeties in this class with better physical attributes, but Downs was the best pure football player in the class.

— Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Anderson said the discussion isn’t an attack on e-bikes, which have positive attributes.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of attributes

Noun

Getting there defied logic and demanded resilience, traits that have defined this club during a chaotic season.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
The Leadership Blind Spot Of Identity Lag The traits that make a great leader can also set the stage for physical decline.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of traits

Noun

The work has bounced between several attributions over the years before scholar Giuseppe Porzio identified it as a painting by Glielmo, giving bidders a fresh reason to take notice.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
Political discussions on social media are often dominated by competing attributions of more and more insidious motives to people on the other side.

— Mark Schroeder, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of attributions

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crisscrossing

criteria

criterion

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“Criteria.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criteria. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of criteria

noun

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