standard 1 of 2

noun

ˈstan-dərd How to pronounce standard (audio)
Definition of standardnext
1
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared the animation in that movie set the standard against which all later animated cartoons were judged

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2
as in flag
a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling a ship flying the queen's standard

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3
as in normal
what is typical of a group, class, or series somewhat shorter than the standard for boys that age

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4
as in morality
standards plural the code of good conduct for an individual or group a life guided by high standards

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standard

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in usual
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events a standard bandage is all that that wound needs

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2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind he's pretty much your standard high-school jock

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3
as in conventional
accepted, used, or practiced by most people standard procedure

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun standard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of standard are criterion, gauge, touchstone, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

In what contexts can criterion take the place of standard?

The meanings of criterion and standard largely overlap; however, 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 can gauge be used instead of standard?

While the synonyms gauge and standard are close in meaning, 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 touchstone be used to replace standard?

While in some cases nearly identical to standard, touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

How are the words yardstick and criterion related as synonyms of standard?

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 standard
Noun
The Future of Social Commerce is Here As social commerce evolves, Orme is setting a new industry standard — seamlessly merging content, engagement and commerce. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 The violations for each of the officers included standard of conduct violations, death investigation procedure violations and report preparation violations. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
With only one-third of parents believing the standard American diet is healthy for kids, America is primed for a change. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 Sunday marked the first time cord cutters could watch through standard Hulu plans, but subscribers of Hulu Live TV have been able to tune into the awards show in years past. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for standard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standard
  1. criterion
  2. flag
  3. normal
  4. morality
  5. usual
  6. typical
  7. conventional
  8. benchmark
Noun
  • However this author has compiled roundups of rules from 2024 which Congress and the administration might also survey to extract those meeting the termination criteria of E.O. 14219.
    — Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The criteria are separated into three categories: Administrative Policies, Jewish Life on Campus, and Campus Conduct and Climate Concerns.
    — Greg Norman, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • The race offered fans enough excitement to cherish, featuring ten caution flags.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • After walking out of a prison near Seoul, Yoon waved, clenched his fists and bowed deeply to his supporters who were shouting his name and waving South Korean and U.S. flags.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Conclusion: Turning Global Disruptions into Opportunities Global disruptions are the new normal for outsourcing providers operating complex international operations.
    — Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This year’s small audience decline is pretty on par with other award shows recently, suggesting that these ceremonies might be settling into a new normal after all of them saw viewership tank in 2020.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of normal
Noun
  • There is the argument from morality: The gods will punish you for these bad deeds.
    — Shadi Bartsch, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The intimacy that Mundhra finds in the final few minutes of this film feel like a reward for a project taken on with a rigorous sense of morality. 29.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • As usual, Soderbergh edits in style using his Mary Ann Bernard pseudonym and his Peter Andrews pseudonym as well for the fine cinematography.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance.
    — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In the bit that aired during Sunday’s ceremony, Sandler was seen wearing his typical loose-fitting attire of a hoodie and gym shorts and jokingly stormed out of the Dolby Theatre when O’Brien called him out about it.
    — Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor.
    — Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The 36 dwarf galaxies are varied in their properties, and many exhibit puzzling orbits that conventional theories have so far been unable to explain.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • One is to update benchmarks constantly with questions based on new information sources.
    — Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The oats grown on the Highclere Castle estate are of such exceptional quality, in fact, that they are used as a benchmark for feeding top thoroughbreds around the world.
    — Brian Freedman, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of benchmark

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Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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