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 Mortgage review methodology CNBC Select reviewed the above mortgage products using a variety of criteria, including average rates, terms, availability, fees, types of loans offered, online experience and customer satisfaction. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Kathy Hebda, chancellor for the division of Florida colleges, said the college admissions criteria was changed to adhere to state law, but opponents and legislators have questioned why the rule needed to be amended. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 30 June 2026 According to Missouri Lottery, retailers that sell winning Scratcher and Draw Games tickets receive a bonus that equals 2% of the prize up to $600 by meeting certain game and sales criteria. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 They're issued when an area will experience dangerous heat conditions that won't reach warning criteria. Finch Walker, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for criterion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criterion
Noun
  • In March, the administration filed a new lawsuit again trying to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • And an Air Quality Alert was issued midday Thursday, due to ground level ozone concentrations reaching unhealthy standards, NWS forecasters say.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
    Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026
  • For example, the experienced representative knew from past cases that when the customer had three particular characteristics, the usual answer would be wrong.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Over time, colleges have steadily reduced the number of objective benchmarks available for comparing applicants while increasing the role of institutional judgment.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Les Caves du Roy at Hôtel Byblos is an undisputed institution—open since 1967 and still the benchmark for a proper Saint-Tropez night out.
    Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Stars from Rowling's Harry Potter feature films have also criticized her stances, including Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The agency also adopted additional security measures, such as surrounding the president with bullet-resistant glass at outdoor events.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rodríguez said emergency economic measures will include relief funds for victims and temporary waivers on documentation and property registration fees to facilitate housing relocation.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The heat wave is making a bad air-quality situation worse as a high-pressure system traps soot and fine particles close to the ground instead of dispersing them.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • And if sleep health is on your mind, the Epix Pro (Gen 2) delivers a full picture of your sleep quality to examine over your morning cup of coffee.
    Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • 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, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • There are loft-like attributes to them, and also the feeling of living in a penthouse.
    Deborah Gimelson, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Criterion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criterion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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