Synonyms of gauge

gauge 1 of 2

verb

variants also gage

1

as in to calculate

to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement

glance over the pattern and try to gauge how much fabric you'll need

Synonyms & Similar Words

• calculate
• figure
• estimate
• judge
• guess
• put
• suppose
• understand
• place
• make
• conjecture
• reckon
• infer
• call
• deduce
• gather
• extrapolate
• conclude
• reason

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• measure
• scale
• calibrate
• compute
• work out

2

as in to measure

to find out the size, extent, or amount of

very difficult to gauge how upset he really is by his controlled reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

• measure
• assess
• scale
• compute
• span
• calculate
• judge
• figure
• calibrate
• quantify
• ascertain
• weigh
• evaluate
• guess
• estimate
• mark (off)
• appraise
• determine
• lay off
• value
• quantitate
• figure out
• caliper
• sum
• add up
• guesstimate
• suppose
• find out
• discover
• valuate
• cipher
• work out
• total
• conjecture
• tally
• reckon
• dope (out)

gauge

2 of 2

noun

variants also gage

1

as in indicator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indicator
• dial
• index
• face
• needle
• hand
• pointer

2

as in touchstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• touchstone
• principle
• guideline
• standard
• example
• mirror
• rule
• paradigm
• essence
• summit
• pattern
• peak
• zenith
• pinnacle
• apex
• manifestation
• phantom
• quintessence
• culmination
• role model
• archetype
• pink
• apotheosis
• incarnation
• personification
• acme
• model
• patron saint
• idea
• embodiment
• ideal
• paragon
• epitome
• nonpareil
• classic
• beau ideal
• exemplar
• eidolon
• nonesuch

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gauge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gauge are criterion, standard, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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

When is criterion a more appropriate choice than gauge?

While the synonyms criterion and gauge are close in meaning, 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

When could standard be used to replace gauge?

While in some cases nearly identical to gauge, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

Where would touchstone be a reasonable alternative to gauge?

The synonyms touchstone and gauge are sometimes interchangeable, but touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How are the words yardstick and criterion related as synonyms of gauge?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gauge

Verb

Political observers keep an eye on Bannon to gauge where Trump's coalition may be going. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025

Insiders say test nodes in Hong Kong and Shenzhen are now routing limited oil-payment traffic to gauge FX-liquidity dynamics. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Noun

While Palace are a stylistic kryptonite, the league table is the most reliable gauge in measuring a team’s ability and Villa sit five places higher than Saturday’s opponents, with 12 more points. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Also out: the Employment Cost Index (ECI), a key wage gauge watched closely by the Fed. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 27 Apr. 2025