standard 1 of 2

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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

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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

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

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adjective

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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
According to independent testing under ISO standards, Pure. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025 Public rules, explainable decisions, standards that are visible, enforceable, and human-first. Jan Liphardt, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Tommy is currently being treated with anti-seizure medication, pain relief, and other standard puppy care, including deworming. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Dwarf fruit trees typically grow to about 4 to 10 feet tall, while standard counterparts can reach 20 feet in height. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard
Noun
  • Prime and near-prime borrowers, who typically have good credit scores, are actually missing car payments at a faster rate than subprime consumers since lenders tightened financing criteria for the lowest-rung borrowers three years ago, the study found.
    Miguel Ambriz, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • After four months of treatment, 70% of the low-dose participants met the criteria, in comparison to 42% in the placebo.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The dining area by her kitchen has flags from all around the world hanging on the ceiling and little tables where kids can do activities.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, the party came within a single vote of getting a constitutional amendment prohibiting desecration of the flag through Congress two decades ago.
    Frederic J. Frommer, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That’s become the new normal for this franchise.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Her account reflects the disorienting new normal for a generation raised under the shadow of war.
    Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • It was considered immoral to lie and the whole point of writing things down back then was to increase morality and improve society, so there really is no didactic history of forgery.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Still, the Catholic Legion of Decency and other morality groups would criticize the scene as indecent.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Steelers counter with their usual black-and-yellow primaries.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Kevin sneaks his way into a room at the Plaza Hotel and gets up to his usual shenanigans in the building, which was owned in real life by Donald at the time, with Ivana serving as the property's president.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Voronkov skated by the Columbus bench for the typical goal celebration anyway.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • What would be a typical work outfit for you?
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This replaces a solid material that replaces the flammable liquid electrolyte found in conventional batteries.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The smaller Nomads will be powered by hybrid electric drivetrains, while the larger ones will use conventional engines.
    David Szondy October 19, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Most cotton benchmarks decreased over the past month.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
  • My trading algorithm brings rules and discipline to options traders and is beating the benchmarks—see it in action here .
    Nishant Pant, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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