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 Some of the criteria are beach material (fine sand ranks highest), air and water temperature, number of sunny days, wildlife, litter and development. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025 That criteria—dubbed GOTS version 7.0—was introduced in 2023 and fully implemented in March 2024. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025 One estimate suggests that between 100 million and 200 million Americans will meet these criteria. Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025 My criteria here was writing by refugees or writing with a focus on refugee narrators. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • Sacramento encourages higher density to address the regional housing shortage and, because of that, the city must approve projects that meet state standards.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • In December, new rules from the Department of Transportation came into effect requiring airlines to have stricter standards for accommodating passengers with wheelchairs, as well as requiring airlines to compensate travelers for any damage to their wheelchairs.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • However, its valuation metrics remain exceedingly high by any historical or sector benchmark.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The small-cap benchmark Russell 2000 is down 6% this year, badly underperforming the S & P 500 which is back into the green after a big rally in the last month.
    Frank Holland, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Mark Monroe directs the feature which will premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 6 before streaming on Netflix June 11.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
  • The Jubilee first set sail in 2023, and includes features like IMAX theaters, a rollercoaster, and rope courses, perfect to keep solo travelers and families busy.
    Martie Bowser, Essence, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The measure of these wars, as with all the wars this nation has fought, will be taken by the children.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • Some critics say the 2018 ballot measure, which was approved by more than 78% of city voters, set the salaries for council members and the mayor too high.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • At retail price, the MSI Thin gaming laptop is already a good deal, a solid budget model with a nice 144Hz full HD screen, decent build quality and decent components for the price.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Analyze responses to pressure and decision-making quality.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Rethinking the meaning of de-extinction Bringing back a species like the dire wolf isn’t just a matter of getting the fur right or tweaking a few visible traits.
    Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • The Role of Mindset and Goals Underlying all development and measurement activity is the growth mindset for communication, which is the belief that communication ability is not a trait but one that can be learned and strengthened.
    Su Bridgman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • If, through some freaky genetic engineering, a scientist could combine the physical attributes of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, what might be the result?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • What's more, fragrance fanatics are more than three times as likely to purchase one linked to emotional attributes and/or memories as described in TikTok videos.
    Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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