Definition of criterionnext

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 The latest analysis from Consumer Reports looked at rotisserie chicken from four national retailers and six regional grocers and evaluated each option based on the criteria of taste, nutrition and potential exposure to chemicals from plastic packaging. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 25 June 2026 General Fusion’s next major technical milestones include reaching 1 keV, followed by 10 keV and eventually meeting the Lawson criterion, a key benchmark for sustained fusion performance. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026 Both the Dutch and the Samurai Blue sit on four points, so if both sides win, the group will be decided by the criteria points. David Hickey, NBC news, 25 June 2026 Under criteria chosen by supervisors, the new rules apply to housing projects with at least 10 units in the county’s unincorporated areas. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • In March, the administration filed a new lawsuit again trying to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • And an Air Quality Alert was issued midday Thursday, due to ground level ozone concentrations reaching unhealthy standards, NWS forecasters say.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
    Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026
  • For example, the experienced representative knew from past cases that when the customer had three particular characteristics, the usual answer would be wrong.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Spot prices reflect real-time market trading and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs and retail bullion pricing.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Next Health’s most popular IV membership, at $299 a month, bundles two IV drips, two vitamin shots and monthly access to cryotherapy, infrared LED, hyperbaric oxygen and body composition scans, which is a useful benchmark for how the membership math actually works at a mid-tier clinic.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Stars from Rowling's Harry Potter feature films have also criticized her stances, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The agency also adopted additional security measures, such as surrounding the president with bullet-resistant glass at outdoor events.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rodríguez said emergency economic measures will include relief funds for victims and temporary waivers on documentation and property registration fees to facilitate housing relocation.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, dizziness, breathlessness, brain fog, low mood, brittle nails, hair fall, feeling unusually cold, and changes in skin quality all signal low ferritin levels.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • The goal is to build higher quality affordable housing by using efficient construction methods Jamison has learned through building more than 8,000 market-rate apartments in the past, Lee said.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Caretakers manage breeding programs to preserve their distinctive traits, including their long horns and rich brown coloring, a shade associated with royalty, maturity and stability.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • This total encompasses the energy output alongside its associated capacity and environmental attributes.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
  • All great attributes for the Hawks’ post-Trae Young reality.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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