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

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
Even the entry categories are very spacious by city standards and feature a classic décor of Louis XV-style furnishings, sedate color schemes, and (in most) terraces or balconies. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026 Danantara’s role is to help structure these partnerships—bringing in global capital while ensuring that projects meet higher standards of accountability, deliver long-term value, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in strategic industries. —Pandu Sjahrir, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Numbers began to skyrocket around the time of the Artemis II launch on April 1st, peaking at around 12,434 at time of writing— a huge jump against the game's standard average player count, which hovers around 3,000 to 4,000. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026 Yet the technology for wind power that floats — as opposed to standard towers permanently attached to the sea floor — is just emerging, and has never been attempted in waters as deep as the Pacific off Northern California. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 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
  • The study is examining whether portions of the coastline meet criteria for national park designation, including significance, suitability and feasibility, along with the need for National Park Service management.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • During this time, the IRS reviews your financial information and determines whether your offer meets its approval criteria.
    — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • His grandfather’s war medals and flag are gone, too.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Strong antivirus software can help detect malware, flag suspicious behavior and protect your data in real time.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Roberts had yet to figure out a new normal for the top of the batting order without Betts.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • With snowfall 60% below normal for the season through February in its home state of Colorado and low in neighboring Utah, Vail has seen skiers and snowboarders stay away in droves.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of normal
Noun
  • One of those humanists says Holland’s belief that Western morality is based on Christianity is not only wrong but also dangerous.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
  • De La Rosa argues that removing morality and judgment from money decisions allows people to make clearer, healthier choices.
    — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • The deeper layers of your soul may feel much nearer to the surface than usual.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026
  • With speed on the right wing as essentially a pure winger rather than her usual right-back role, Oke gave Reign’s defense fits, especially when another midfielder joined and created overloads.
    — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • As noted earlier, Form 1099-K is the typical reporting form gig workers receive from platforms that handle the collection of payments from customers and transfer the worker’s share to them.
    — Annette Nellen, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
  • So far, the WGA has only disclosed to members that the provisional agreement will span four years rather than the union’s typical three.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • Using a conventional electric trimmer would cause tiny hairs to float around in microgravity, which would be a mess.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The approach highlights the potential for integrated, circular systems where multiple waste streams are transformed into valuable products, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional recycling techniques.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • Shapiro raised $10 million in the first three months of 2026, according to campaign finance records, setting a new benchmark for fundraising in a Pennsylvania gubernatorial race.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2026
  • That’s a reasonable benchmark to pay a qualified, nonmillionaire to take the job of state legislator.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of standard for Spanish Speakers

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