as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
the gold standard for accurate experimental procedures is the double-blind medication trial
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Recent Examples of gold standard
In every action, EPA applies the highest gold standard of science and analysis.
—
Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
While Rag & Bone remains my gold standard, there are plenty of more affordable options worth shopping, including polished Gap sweatpant jeans that deliver the same comfort-first appeal, plus Amazon finds starting at just $37.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Disability Rights California, a nonprofit that has been among the strongest critics, declined to comment on Ed’s situation directly, but did emphasize that voluntary treatment is its gold standard.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a gold standard for Dyneema shelters and packs.
—Outside, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2026
While Rag & Bone remains my gold standard, there are plenty of more affordable options worth shopping, including polished Gap sweatpant jeans that deliver the same comfort-first appeal, plus Amazon finds starting at just $37.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Disability Rights California, a nonprofit that has been among the strongest critics, declined to comment on Ed’s situation directly, but did emphasize that voluntary treatment is its gold standard.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a gold standard for Dyneema shelters and packs.
—Outside, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gold standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gold standard
Noun
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In her ruling, Lockard acknowledged the conflicting nature of the state’s standards for terminating a day care provider’s registration and revoking the provider’s agreement to operate.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
14 Feb. 2026
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Democrats are calling for judicial warrants before agents can enter private property, a ban on ICE agents wearing face masks, requiring the use of body cameras and new laws for use-of-force standards.—
Justin Gomez,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The committee uses 12 criteria to determine who belongs in the field and where teams should be seeded.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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Not everyone meets the criteria for admittance to certain facilities.—
Mark Reynolds,
The Providence Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Gold standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gold%20standard. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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