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

Boards would be well served to keep the succession yardsticks focused on genuine performance metrics rather than fact-free dogma related to CEO age, longevity or tenure. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh reemphasized recently that the PCE price index is the central bank's official yardstick for inflation. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Created from public polling, this yardstick of optimism tracks shoppers’ psyche in eight states, including California, and the nation. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026

Scrapping for points won’t be enough to fulfill that desire — but that is a first yardstick a new team must reach on its journey. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026