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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gold standard
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
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a gold standard for Dyneema shelters and packs.
—Outside, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
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
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a gold standard for Dyneema shelters and packs.
—Outside, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gold standard
Noun
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Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
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While that is the standard that would be considered in a civil case, local investigators are also looking into whether any state laws were violated.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The White House has not made clear the criteria used to decide which countries are being invited to join.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Time after time in our residential experience, the Board of Review would knock back the assessor’s assessments (the criteria applied being different), thus rewarding the many attorneys who know how to game a system with myriad opportunities for corruption.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That was the preliminary benchmark revision, an annual first-look estimate that coincides with the release of the first-quarter QCEW data.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Scores were based on multiple benchmarks, including convenience of store hours and location, reliability of mobile app, store cleanliness and layout, staff helpfulness, and food quality and freshness.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gold standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gold%20standard. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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