as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benchmark
The international oil benchmark, Brent Crude, spiked from just under $100 per barrel to nearly $106 over the same timeframe.
—
CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The cost of gasoline hit an unwelcome benchmark in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday as the average price per gallon officially reached the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Assn.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
And the preceding year, 65% failed to beat their S&P 500 benchmark.
—Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
This is a solid first showing that should satisfy most consumers who aren't obsessed with benchmarks and maximum possible speed.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
The cost of gasoline hit an unwelcome benchmark in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday as the average price per gallon officially reached the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Assn.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
And the preceding year, 65% failed to beat their S&P 500 benchmark.
—Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
This is a solid first showing that should satisfy most consumers who aren't obsessed with benchmarks and maximum possible speed.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
-
Lemon said that might no longer be a dealbreaker for some candidates, but feels that as a Black man, he’d be held to a different standard.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Those navigating family negotiations can set kind standards that allow trust to grow naturally over time.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 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
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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