double standard

noun

1
: a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another
especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men
2

Examples of double standard in a Sentence

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From politics to philanthropy, healthcare to higher education, Black women continue to confront double standards that reveal the unfinished work of democracy itself. Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Mullin now sets up an even more impossible double standard. Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 This double standard—under which players may not inscribe Bible verses on hats for one game only but may wear 'Black Lives Matter' patches for one game only—calls MLB’s true motives into question and raises serious concerns about MLB’s compliance with Title VII. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 The Office star Rainn Wilson says America’s media and entertainment industries have a consistent problem with double standards. Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for double standard

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double standard was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

double standard

noun
: a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another

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