standard 1 of 2

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
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
2
3

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
Some of those tracks remain standards from that era and rank not just among the most successful, but also the most critically acclaimed of all time. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 By offering real production opportunities, visibility, and support, this initiative continues to stand out for its entrepreneurial approach to inclusion and capacity-building, setting a new standard in the national industry. John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2025
Adjective
Should Robinson move on elsewhere, the Heat would have a variety of salary-cap exceptions to sign a 15th player to a standard contract. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 This lip product behaves as your standard lip gloss goes: shiny, hydrating, with a nice flavor. Cierra Black, Essence, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard
Noun
  • At the same time, interest rates and stricter lending criteria have significantly increased the cost of borrowing, which is often a lifeline for small businesses to grow—and even survive.
    Juliana Berger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Apple can certainly afford to cherry-pick projects, choosing only to work with top directors and major stars on films that meet a certain criteria.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • For days, a small but critical faction of the Senate GOP conference had been raising major flags about the way this cut to states' Medicaid revenue might kneecap rural hospitals in their states.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 26 June 2025
  • Last year, he was arrested for joining with two accomplices in setting fire to American and Israeli flags outside the Israeli Consulate in Midtown.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Cooler temperatures are forecast for Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, with highs near seasonal normals.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Darvish update Darvish is working his way back and figuring out how to work in his new normal.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • For Iranians themselves, it’s been a deeply frustrating recurring cycle, most recently experienced in the protests in 2022 that followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who had been detained by the religious morality police.
    ERIC EDELMAN, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
  • Mass protests also broke out in the autumn of 2022 after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old, died while detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly.
    Ruth Marks Eglash, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both are now visible to the naked eye to observers in the Southern Hemisphere and are currently shining millions of times brighter than usual.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • House Republicans were hit After the most contentious legislative session in DeSantis’ history, state lawmakers were bracing for the governor to use more ink than usual with the veto pen.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • This training teaches us to be present in the midst of the chaos of a typical day.
    Janice Marturano, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • And then there were the potential ills of a conventional approach, like fumes spewed by laminate flooring.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Intended to provide France and Europe with full sovereign access to space, VORTEX is designed to lift off atop a rocket without a fairing, have full orbital and atmospheric maneuverability, and land on a conventional runway.
    David Szondy June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Tesla shares are down 13% since the end of May, just before Musk and Trump began publicly arguing, a period in which the S&P 500 benchmark is up 5%.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The index is equal weighted, meaning each stock starts off as 2.5% the value of the overall benchmark.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on standard

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!