1
as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Here's what each means, according to the NWS: Heat advisory: A heat advisory is the lowest level and is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach the criteria for a more serious alert.
—
Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Guests rate hotels on key criteria such as service, design, location, and overall experience.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 23 July 2025
In the end, the judge determined Barahona, 58, met the criteria necessary to sit at a defense table across from jurors and fight for his life.
—Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
The airline is also moving to a new system with eight boarding groups, determined by a mix of seat location, passenger status, and other criteria.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for criterion
Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Guests rate hotels on key criteria such as service, design, location, and overall experience.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 23 July 2025
In the end, the judge determined Barahona, 58, met the criteria necessary to sit at a defense table across from jurors and fight for his life.
—Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
The airline is also moving to a new system with eight boarding groups, determined by a mix of seat location, passenger status, and other criteria.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
-
Many such items require special permits and must meet strict health and safety standards.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Adding quality helps to raise the standard in both training and games.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Sometimes an offense takes on the characteristics of its most distinguishable member - only the Brewers have a lower team average exit speed than the Padres, and only a handful of clubs hit more line drives, as the club mimics the tendencies of Luis Arraez.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
Felix Brill, chief investment officer at VP Bank, agrees that the SGD has many characteristics of a modern safe haven, including macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, a large current account surplus, and low political risk.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
In June, state economists announced those benchmarks won’t be hit.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
-
The 10,000-step benchmark started as a marketing strategy for a 1960s Japanese pedometer, not a medical recommendation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
In 2024, Samsung launched its first phone with AI features.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Rufus Sewell, with his piercing eyes and severe features, will costar in Pride and Prejudice as the dry, cynical Mr. Bennet, Lizzy's father.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The department first introduced the program earlier this summer as one of its measures to combat an uptick in crime across the city, particularly in the urban core.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
26 July 2025
-
These rules and measures must regulate the conduct of public and private operators within the States’ jurisdiction or control and be accompanied by effective enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure their implementation.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
See air quality in your area See the live map below to track air quality in your area.—
Jack Albright,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
He’s become a quality defender at third and a league avg bat.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Her signature ultra-thin, arched eyebrows, a style trait belonging to her renowned ’90s aesthetic, were kept intact, while her lips glowed as if they’d been coated in a thin layer of chapstick.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
29 July 2025
-
Along those same lines, calling specific traits of genes good, could also cause people to look at other people who don’t have those genes in a lesser light.—
Sonia Thompson,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
Major attributes must be considered, such as quality, security, performance and maintainability.—
Arthur Hicken,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
One attribute Ramsdale boasts which Pope does not is his strong ability to distribute with his feet.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share