standard 1 of 2

noun

ˈstan-dərd How to pronounce standard (audio)
Definition of standardnext
1
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared the animation in that movie set the standard against which all later animated cartoons were judged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flag
a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling a ship flying the queen's standard

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in normal
what is typical of a group, class, or series somewhat shorter than the standard for boys that age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in morality
standards plural the code of good conduct for an individual or group a life guided by high standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

standard

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in usual
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events a standard bandage is all that that wound needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind he's pretty much your standard high-school jock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conventional
accepted, used, or practiced by most people standard procedure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun standard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of standard are criterion, gauge, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words 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

In what contexts can criterion take the place of standard?

The meanings of criterion and standard largely overlap; however, 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 can gauge be used instead of standard?

While the synonyms gauge and standard are close in meaning, 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 could touchstone be used to replace standard?

While in some cases nearly identical to standard, 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 standard?

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

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

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 standard
Noun
In March, the administration filed a new lawsuit again trying to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Who a Rucking Vest Is For Buyers range from beginners walking the neighborhood to elite athletes chasing competition standards. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
While standard digital smart scales send a singular electrical signal up through your lower body, the Scale BodyScan sends current through both your hands and feet via the extendable bar, completing a circuit across your entire frame. — New Atlas, 1 July 2026 The spa There’s a dreamy subterranean spa with all the standard treatments, but to really get into Potato Head’s groove, opt for a session at the New Age-y Sanctuary Wellness Centre instead. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard
  1. criterion
  2. flag
  3. normal
  4. morality
  5. usual
  6. typical
  7. conventional
  8. benchmark
Noun
  • Candidates receiving the funding must abide by expenditure limits and adhere to the criteria set by statute, ordinance or charter to demonstrate broad support, such as demonstrate a large number of small dollar contributions.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Critics say the test rewards the smallest slice of the problem while ignoring Scope 3, the 80% to 95% of a producer's emissions that come from burning its fuel, and note the criteria echo the oil industry's own lobbying.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • For example, one set of flag banners for Argentina and Cape Verde were in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium for Friday’s game while the other set was already en route to Atlanta, where the winner of this match would play next in the Round of 16.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Inside the building, the rhythm of an African drumbeat pulsated a few rows of the upper deck, the fans there draped by the flag of Ghana.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Then, before the listener can fully settle in, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer fires off bars claiming that Grammys were stolen from him and details his many nights spent sleeping on the floor to his new normal of earning $500,000 per show.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • Most likely, the new normal in the Persian Gulf will be chronic instability and frequent disruptions in shipping.
    — Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Definition of normal
Noun
  • In an interview, Worner said that while saints are ultimately mortal and therefore not perfect, there is a certain criterion of morality decided by a multitude of individuals.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • But there are unusual rewards for an intrepid company willing to test the boundaries of political and artistic morality.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
  • Finally, a birthday that really deserves all the usual fireworks.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • If multiple people become infected within a neighborhood, a typical source would be a cooling tower, hot tub or spray fountain, NYC Health wrote on its website.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • The contoured footbed offers more support than a typical flat sandal, and the adjustable straps help customize the fit, which is especially helpful for her flat feet.
    — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • Instead of relying solely on conventional reactor vessels and containment structures, the design uses the pressure generated by a mile-long water column surrounding the reactor to support reactor operating pressure while also providing cooling.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • Rather than conventional seats, the cushions are fixed directly to the chassis, and there’s an optional sustainable textile called InnoKnit, which sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a breaking wave.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • Over time, colleges have steadily reduced the number of objective benchmarks available for comparing applicants while increasing the role of institutional judgment.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Les Caves du Roy at Hôtel Byblos is an undisputed institution—open since 1967 and still the benchmark for a proper Saint-Tropez night out.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Definition of benchmark

Phrases Containing standard

Browse Nearby Words

stand-alone
standard
standard-bearer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on standard

Nglish: Translation of standard for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tacit

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All