Synonym Chooser

How does the noun criterion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of criterion are gauge, standard, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," 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 is gauge a more appropriate choice than criterion?

While in some cases nearly identical to criterion, 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 could standard be used to replace criterion?

Although the words standard and criterion have much in common, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

When is it sensible to use touchstone instead of criterion?

The meanings of touchstone and criterion largely overlap; however, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another?

Yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of criterion While many of the pieces fulfilled another one of Goreski’s criteria, others fit within the film’s primary color scheme. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2025 Lender perks Down payment assistance programs aimed at low-to-middle-income homebuyers Non-qualifying mortgages that offer more flexibility with income criteria and credit history. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025 More pressing for those involved in the program the first time was Crime Lab’s finding that less than half of the students referred — 41% — actually fit the criteria of being out of school for 18 months. Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 If no such policy existed, the NCAA followed the International Olympic Committee's criteria. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • The violations for each of the officers included standard of conduct violations, death investigation procedure violations and report preparation violations.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The Future of Social Commerce is Here As social commerce evolves, Orme is setting a new industry standard — seamlessly merging content, engagement and commerce.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While the speech shares many characteristics with a State of the Union address, this presentation is slightly different in nature.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Yale researchers want to speak with Central Floridians affected by 1,4-dioxane The Florida Geological Survey also uncovered an insidious characteristic of this chemical combination: 1,1-DCE inhibits the natural degradation of 1,4-dioxane, allowing its spread.
    Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • My personal benchmark for Disney stage musicals has always been The Lion King.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
  • One is to update benchmarks constantly with questions based on new information sources.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Volusion has a few interesting marketing features, like its Google integration.
    Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 2025
  • As a result, the auricular muscles became weaker and are now considered a vestigial feature—an evolutionary leftover that’s no longer necessary but hasn’t completely disappeared.
    Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The order also calls on state attorneys general to establish enforcement measures and legal strategies to uphold the new mandate.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of obsessing over repeat counts, why not consider measures that reward artistic innovation and sustained fan engagement?
    Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Harvard was the site of a very early student protest in the Americas, when, in 1766, students spent weeks demonstrating against the quality of campus food.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That commitment, paired with strict quality standards, has fueled its growth while keeping its identity intact, even after its new ownership.
    Douglas Yu, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These early problem-solving experiences can help develop resilience and adaptability, traits essential for success in STEAM fields and beyond.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In her post, Meli questioned why ambition, despite its downsides, was seen as a moral good and an important trait to have.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, digitize the attributes and documents needed to create customer profiles so they can be leveraged throughout the organization.
    Alex Ford, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • During the roll call last year at the Democratic National Convention, Lamont followed the tradition of citing the top attributes of his state before announcing the political tally for president.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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