touchstone

as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared his book has long been a touchstone for travel writing that aspires to be literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun touchstone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of touchstone are criterion, gauge, standard, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

When could criterion be used to replace touchstone?

The words criterion and touchstone can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would gauge be a reasonable alternative to touchstone?

Although the words gauge and touchstone have much in common, 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 can standard be used instead of touchstone?

While the synonyms standard and touchstone are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another, in the sense of touchstone?

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 touchstone Senior eBay people have used Omidyar’s founding philosophy as a touchstone now for a generation. Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 For those who know, Randall is the Leica—or Rolex—of handmade knives, as much touchstone as tool within the culture. Erik German, Fortune, 17 June 2025 Is there a writer who’s an essential touchstone for you, like Hemingway was for Elmore Leonard? Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 The racial protests that began that year – along with the Black Lives Matter movement – have been a touchstone of Trump’s rhetoric on urban violence. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
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
  • Oswego trustees as a committee of the whole recently discussed the eligibility criteria for the Economic Development Incentive Award grant program in the village.
    Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Trying to fit into societal standards is a losing game, especially as a woman in pop.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Companies operating in Europe face substantial fines—potentially $100 million or more annually for some companies that can’t meet emissions standards.
    Nicole LeBlanc, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The new car will bolster safety to new benchmarks with an ergonomic driver cockpit to improve seating position, an integrated aeroscreen and a new roll hoop.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • The benchmark for children approved for fewer nursing hours is 70%.
    Christopher O'Donnell, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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