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 Braxton Family Values, which ran for seven seasons between 2011 and 2020, became a cultural touchstone for its unfiltered look at the complexities of sisterhood, fame and family life. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 The project’s narrative touchstone, however, is Ye’s commitment to living without medication for the bipolar disorder he’s previously disclosed. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 Brauchler notes that Columbine remains a dark touchstone for copycats. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025 The Bowers Museum is truly one of the cultural touchstones for those of us lucky enough to live 20 minutes away. Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
Noun
  • The 12 Hair Types The 12 hair types are named based on the two main criteria, pattern and texture.
    Maggie Donahue, Health, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Otherwise, there’s no other criteria.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, investment brokers must follow a suitability standard, which means that recommendations may be appropriate but not necessarily the best option.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Europe requires a different standard for fast charging.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The benchmark index has gained 13% since January 1 and has notched 28 record highs this year.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Arlington, Amherst, Cohasset, Wakefield and others met the benchmark in both subjects.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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