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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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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
The data will be held to a higher standard and independently verified. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026 His next deal is at stake while Brooklyn decides how to develop him without compromising the standards Fernández has established. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
The marketplace contains standard fare like Google Calendar, weather, and stock quotes, alongside more niche offerings like rotating factoids about the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition in Star Trek. — ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026 Many pet insurance companies won't offer standard coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and vaccinations, spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, grooming, prescription food and cosmetic work. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 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
  • Whatever the criteria, though, Meyer believes Percy Harvin meets them.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Organizers have not publicly provided a consistent set of criteria or business-specific evidence for all six targets.
    — Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Although exploiting these services could reveal a task’s flag, doing so was outside the authorized scope.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The feeling was mutual, as Algerian flags flew in Lawrence, citizens wore the team’s jerseys and colors, and some kids even practiced with the team.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Confused at first, Marty learns to embrace his new normal and begins to truly appreciate the sights, sounds and people of New York City that previously went unnoticed.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The company has been very good about adjusting to the new normal too, which is great.
    — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of normal
Noun
  • Indeed, Morgenthau had less tolerance for those who failed to reconcile power with morality than for those who underestimated power’s importance.
    — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The horrors of the atomic bomb, America’s culpability and relation to postwar Japan, and the morality of revenge are major themes in Minus Zero.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • Rumors about the lineup had been flying around for weeks, as per usual in the fall, with multiple reports naming the eventual headliners while the festival stayed mum on the official report.
    — Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Hood is a spiritual advisor to inmates all over the country, but has been busier than usual in Florida — a state that has put a record-breaking 38 people to death since 2025, with more scheduled this year, under the guidance of DeSantis.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • The first Taibaan film raised THB2 million ($59,000), or THB4 million ($119,000) including marketing, and grossed THB35 million ($1 million), in a market where a typical Thai feature costs THB30 million ($891,000) or more.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Vagabond Haven The interior measures 59 sq m (635 sq ft), spread over two floors, offering significantly more room to move around in than a typical towable tiny house.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • That capability addresses an important limitation of conventional cargo spacecraft.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Homebuyers who have served or are currently serving in the military can save thousands in housing payments annually by using a VA loan benefit, which offers rates lower than conventional mortgages and doesn't require private mortgage insurance.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • For listeners of a particular age and background—too young to properly appreciate Odd Future but holding up as formative Blonde, Flower Boy, and SoundCloud rap—2017’s trilogy of SATURATION albums remains a benchmark.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The commercial paint gave the team a benchmark for how the new formulation performed alongside an existing product designed to limit heat absorption.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of benchmark

Phrases Containing standard

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stand-alone
standard
standard-bearer
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Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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