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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 city would also create different standards for the different types and scales of data centers. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026 This shift also creates higher expectations for hiring standards and, especially, employee training. — Victor Karpenko, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Jade Plant Jade plants are classic succulents from South Africa and are often treated as standard houseplants indoors. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026 Samsung Monitor Deal The Samsung ViewFinity S7 transforms your workspace with crystal-clear 4K UHD resolution, delivering four times the pixels of standard 1080p displays. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 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
  • One rule of thumb is to always choose somewhere displaying the VPN sign outside—this stands for Verace Pizza Napoletana, and guarantees that the pizza will be made according to an exacting set of criteria.
    — Nicky Swallow, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this summer, CalMatters reported only one research institute in California appeared to meet the criteria included in the measure for the nonprofit that would be awarded half the bond proceeds.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • The welcome ceremony also included a flyover by two B-1 bombers, platoons from each military service, and a presentation of the flags and anthems of both countries.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The hot and dusty city streets were bathed in decorative green light to celebrate National Day, as hundreds of electronic billboards projected the sword and script of the Saudi flag, shown fluttering as if caught in a breeze.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • That trend will continue through the weekend, with Sunday highs likely a few degrees below normal for this time of year.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Temperatures are expected to be closer to seasonal normals, reaching highs in the 80s through the weekend and into early next week.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of normal
Noun
  • This perception of threat, intertwined with a harsh interpretation of religious morality, dominated 17th-century life, with the optimistic, protective and compassionate aspects of Christianity often overpowered by fear and a desire to judge.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Andie is a creature of pure ambition and nearly blank morality, a sweatshirt-wearing, 2000s-era daughter of Lady Macbeth and Faye Dunaway in Network, though Wever purposefully didn’t revisit that film to keep her own performance distinct.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • My task was to comment on which might be most palatable—or least offensive—to the fair’s usual client base.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • There were three meltdowns close together that were worse than usual.
    — Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • Instead of reaching out to typical Western researchers and scientists, Boyland and his team went to Africa and approached wildlife guides, drivers, photographers, and locals who saw wildlife daily.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Options flows from institutional investors are around three times higher than a typical September, the data shows.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • Rather than relying on conventional nuts and bolts, which can add significant weight, the students bonded the structure together.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Control Apple maggot flies are closely monitored in susceptible regions, and small outbreaks can sometimes be managed without conventional pesticides.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • The researchers therefore see the result as a benchmark for future experiments that directly probe the state’s topological order and the exchange statistics of its quasiparticles.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • That advance has pulled the benchmark into positive territory for the month.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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