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 And what is stopping Trump from expanding his criteria for such treatment, beyond those accused of violent crime to other activities deemed offensive to the president? Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 In 2024, another Brazilian producer won again – this time a farm practicing regenerative agriculture without certification but meeting our assessment criteria. Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The police department said the warning calls did not meet the criteria for a police intervention. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Titled Protecting Europe's Essential Societal Functions, the strategy calls for minimum preparedness criteria to be implemented among essential services such as hospitals, schools, transport and telecommunications. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • And even with personnel changes, the standard doesn’t drop.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Public Safety Enhancements: Expanding public safety resources and facilities to maintain safety standards as the population grows.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But looking at the right benchmarks shows that post-neoliberal economic policy—evident to a large degree in the actions of the Biden administration—righted the ship and kept the country afloat and sailing at a reasonable clip.
    Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, stood at about $63 per barrel as of midday Monday.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips and Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Education appears to have removed a key new feature of the StudentAid.gov website that has allowed borrowers to track their student loan forgiveness progress.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The ability of car companies to charge users to activate some features is effectively the only reason the car’s systems need to communicate with cell towers.
    Dell Cameron, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yet Trump was unhappy over plans for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff during his inauguration after Biden ordered the measure of respect following Carter’s death for 30 days - something that’s been done following a presidential death since 1954.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Idahoans spend more on groceries than residents of any other state, according to one measure.
    Daniel Schrager, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For example, a plant may attract the same pests or wind pollination can impact the quality of differing varieties of the same plant.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
  • What are the most important qualities for the person who replaces outgoing Police Chief Neil Noakes?: 1) Must be willing to listen to the community and take the time to build rapport and trust.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While the natural traits and intellect of Gates and Allen were crucial for Microsoft’s eventual success, so too was their willingness to learn from an early failure and apply themselves in a new venture.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Bill Snellings Self-reliance is a cherished American trait, and men in particular embrace it.
    Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The risk tolerance of an organization will determine the weighting of these attributes or whether they'll simply be ignored.
    Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • These attributes position the company as a forward-thinking leader in the denim industry, capable of adapting to market dynamics while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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