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 Unlike other insurance companies that write policies based on basic criteria, surplus lines insurers write custom policies, insuring everything from large condominiums to guitarist Keith Richards’ middle finger. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 The agency is seeking Nike's criteria for selecting employees for layoffs, its use of worker race and ethnicity data, and information about race-specific mentoring and career development programs. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 Last year, lawmakers boosted the annual amount allocated to the state’s film and TV tax credit program and expanded the criteria for eligible projects in an attempt to lure production back to California. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 But the state agencies said in their emergency motion this week that a recent commission decision adds more steps to the process and changes the criteria for selecting energy resources. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • While that is the standard that would be considered in a civil case, local investigators are also looking into whether any state laws were violated.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In vacating the life prison term in 2024, Cook County Judge Marc Martin found in part that Modrowski had been unfairly portrayed as emotionless and cold during his 1995 trial and sentencing proceedings when the characteristics were likely due to his autism.
    Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • And what physical characteristics is law enforcement focusing on that might help people locate them?
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That was the preliminary benchmark revision, an annual first-look estimate that coincides with the release of the first-quarter QCEW data.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Scores were based on multiple benchmarks, including convenience of store hours and location, reliability of mobile app, store cleanliness and layout, staff helpfulness, and food quality and freshness.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Google, in particular, has some unique features working in its favor, Sosnick added.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mohan noted that Western Digital expects the AI and cloud storage market to grow exabytes (EB), a measure of data storage, at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 25% through 2030.
    TipRanks, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
  • It was proven again in Friday’s 119-115 loss to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, a third straight defensive dud that left center Rudy Gobert calling for extreme measures of accountability.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 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, 8 Feb. 2026
  • What should be an elite trait for Minnesota is currently notably average.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Without the correct attributes — competitiveness, mindset, IQ, internal drive — Donovan fears a young player could flounder in Chicago.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • There had been a feeling that Onana had all the attributes from a physical and technical standpoint, yet did not always maximise them.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on criterion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!