as in standards
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
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Recent Examples of touchstones
Gimme some of the specific touchstones.
—
Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Poem 1 carries forth Roxanne’s touchstones—choral music, new age, dream pop—into a liminal space that’s half-lieder, half-Grouper.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026
The 70-minute film plays more like a visual scrapbook, weaving archival footage of their ’90s heyday with the pop-culture touchstones that shaped him.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
As Bob Iger works his way through his final day in Disney’s corner office, the outgoing CEO will leave behind a legacy that includes such pop culture touchstones as the Star Wars saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the transformative Pixar films.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Paramount+ will bring global fans over 1,000 hours of iconic series, films, originals and cultural touchstones that reflect the full spectrum of the Black experience, including hits like THE MS.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
Novels, manga, music, and fanfiction are referenced throughout the memoir as touchstones in Kobabe’s search for understanding and community.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
That passion echoes throughout the halls, a chorus of cultural touchstones.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
That trajectory — from a small London stage to one of the most recognizable cultural touchstones in entertainment — speaks to the show’s enduring ability to connect with audiences who feel like outsiders themselves.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Poem 1 carries forth Roxanne’s touchstones—choral music, new age, dream pop—into a liminal space that’s half-lieder, half-Grouper.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026
The 70-minute film plays more like a visual scrapbook, weaving archival footage of their ’90s heyday with the pop-culture touchstones that shaped him.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
As Bob Iger works his way through his final day in Disney’s corner office, the outgoing CEO will leave behind a legacy that includes such pop culture touchstones as the Star Wars saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the transformative Pixar films.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Paramount+ will bring global fans over 1,000 hours of iconic series, films, originals and cultural touchstones that reflect the full spectrum of the Black experience, including hits like THE MS.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
Novels, manga, music, and fanfiction are referenced throughout the memoir as touchstones in Kobabe’s search for understanding and community.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
That passion echoes throughout the halls, a chorus of cultural touchstones.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026
That trajectory — from a small London stage to one of the most recognizable cultural touchstones in entertainment — speaks to the show’s enduring ability to connect with audiences who feel like outsiders themselves.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstones
Noun
-
The two-lane bridge is too narrow by modern standards, with just 1 foot of shoulder on each side.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
-
But they are certified by California’s law enforcement standards agency.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Before this, no one in the field had established criteria for what should be included in the archaeological record of dice.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Financial hardship criteria CNC status is reserved for taxpayers facing a challenging financial situation.—
Rebecca Safier,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on Tidal Basin traditions and baseball benchmarks.—
,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
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The sixth annual national survey, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, recognizes midsize and large organizations with at least 150 employees that are exceeding national benchmarks for employee satisfaction.—
Jessica Bryant,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Touchstones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstones. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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