Synonyms of yardstick

yardstick

noun

ˈyärd-ˌstik 

as in criterion

something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared

this essay will be the yardstick by which I grade the others

Synonyms & Similar Words

• criterion
• standard
• benchmark
• measure
• metric
• barometer
• touchstone
• example
• gold standard
• grade
• par
• rule
• instance
• mark
• bar
• norm
• average
• case
• pinnacle
• apex
• peak
• summit
• zenith
• meridian
• acme

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deviation
• abnormality
• aberration

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun yardstick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of yardstick are criterion, gauge, standard, and touchstone. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

When is criterion a more appropriate choice than yardstick?

The meanings of criterion and yardstick 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 might gauge be a better fit than yardstick?

The words gauge and yardstick are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would standard be a good substitute for yardstick?

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

standards of behavior

When could touchstone be used to replace yardstick?

While in some cases nearly identical to yardstick, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of yardstick

Other yardsticks show a similar trend, such as a March 18 survey commissioned by the California Democratic Party showing the two GOP candidates on top with Swalwell, Porter and Steyer in a three-way tie for third. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

In an environment of rampant grade inflation, admissions officers are using test scores as a reliable, standardized yardstick. —Scott White, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Clement responded that the better yardstick would be another pro league that is protected by the SBA, with the NBA, MLB, and NHL the most plausible examples. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026

The Red Scare period of blacklisting is a case study of the dangers of using political yardsticks to measure journalists. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026