as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
the gold standard for accurate experimental procedures is the double-blind medication trial
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Recent Examples of gold standard
Decades later, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions remains a gold standard for Arctic exploration, with deep regional expertise across Svalbard, Greenland, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage.
—
Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
In every action, EPA applies the highest gold standard of science and analysis.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
While Rag & Bone remains my gold standard, there are plenty of more affordable options worth shopping, including polished Gap sweatpant jeans that deliver the same comfort-first appeal, plus Amazon finds starting at just $37.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Disability Rights California, a nonprofit that has been among the strongest critics, declined to comment on Ed’s situation directly, but did emphasize that voluntary treatment is its gold standard.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
In every action, EPA applies the highest gold standard of science and analysis.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
While Rag & Bone remains my gold standard, there are plenty of more affordable options worth shopping, including polished Gap sweatpant jeans that deliver the same comfort-first appeal, plus Amazon finds starting at just $37.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Disability Rights California, a nonprofit that has been among the strongest critics, declined to comment on Ed’s situation directly, but did emphasize that voluntary treatment is its gold standard.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gold standard
Noun
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The long-term impact is likely to show up gradually in the types of vehicles that will be produced, rather than a complete abandonment of voluntary emissions standards, complete with redesigns.—
Julian Torres,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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The rooms With 188 rooms and suites starting at 380 square feet (generous by Hong Kong standards), comfort doesn’t require an upgrade.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some financial advisors question whether Trump account gifts meet that criteria, which could trigger gift tax return filing requirements.—
Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
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American requests to use UK bases for operational purposes historically have been considered on a case-by-case basis, with precise criteria withheld for security reasons under long-standing agreements.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Representing the Group of 6 in the CFP becomes the new benchmark, and that won’t be an every-year occurrence.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Washington and Colorado's programs have run into challenges, including a lack of participation from clinicians, hospitals, and other care providers, as well as insurers' inability to meet rate reduction benchmarks or lower premiums compared with other plans offered on the market.—
Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez,
NPR,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gold standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gold%20standard. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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