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 The Context Wendt's portrayal of the affable, beer-loving Norm became a cultural touchstone, earning him six Emmy nominations and helping cement Cheers as one of the greatest sitcoms in television history. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 The coming of age story served as a touchstone for filmmakers like Spike Lee, John Singleton and Robert Townsend (who was an extra in the film). Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025 The movie remains a Hollywood touchstone nearly a century after its release. Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 7 June 2025 While whiskey remains a cultural touchstone for claims on American identity, the reality is that American consumers have consistently chosen vodka as their spirit of choice for decades. Time, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
Noun
  • Auckland City is the reigning champion of the New Zealand National League and met the qualifying criteria in the most convincing fashion.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • This lack of access disproportionately affects people in lower-income communities, as well as women in midlife who may not meet strict insurance criteria.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 June 2025
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
  • The court's majority found that Tennessee's law is not subject to a heightened level of judicial review and satisfies the most deferential standard, known as rational basis.
    June 18, CBS News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • PwC’s recent executive playbook on agentic AI emphasizes that early adopters of AI set industry benchmarks, gain first-mover advantage, streamline operations, and create barriers to entry through deep integration.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • In energy trading early Friday, U.S. benchmark crude oil lost 7 cents to $63.30 per barrel.
    Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

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