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criterion

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of criterion

1 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 of criterion

bar, barometer, benchmark, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick
Words Related to criterion

case, example, instance

average, norm, rule

acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith
Near Antonyms of criterion

aberration, abnormality, deviation

2 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 of criterion

affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
Words Related to criterion

badge, indication, sign

emblem, symbol, token

charm, grace

excellence, merit, virtue

eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk

individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Synonym Discussion of criterion

standard, criterion, gauge, yardstick, touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be. standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.
    • standards of behavior
criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.
    • questioned the critic's criteria for excellence
gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.
    • polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction
yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.
    • housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth
touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.
    • fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Learn More about criterion

  1. See words that rhyme with criterion Dictionary: Definition of criterion Spanish Central: Translation of criterion Nglish: Translation of criterion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of criterion for Arabic speakers

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