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
Cost-of-living concerns extended to the grocery aisle, where 71% supported creating a uniform national standard for ingredient labeling rather than maintaining a patchwork of different state requirements. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026 Josie Beecher-Crotty, Elgin’s communications and engagement manager, said in a statement that the project, which involved converting an older industrial building into an entertainment venue, required various improvements to meet safety standards. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Its adaptable design allows small combat units to maintain swift, flexible logistics in hazardous areas where standard transport cannot go. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 When packing up, the legs collapse parallel to the main body, so the entire unit forms a slim profile that slides into the side pocket or main compartment of a standard backpack. — New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026 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
  • The list is periodically updated by the State legislature as additional plants meeting the invasive plant criteria are identified.
    — Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Daniels is also not yet eligible, under LSU rules, to have his jersey retired, as the school has a five-year waiting period listed as one of its criteria for jersey retirement.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • De Lutiis scored himself in the 58th, backing up in support at the perfect time after an Australian attacking raid that started with flyhalf Carter Gordon breaking the defensive line and running 30 meters toward the right corner flag.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson’s draft night peers await The Bulls rookie planted his flag some time ago.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • But with climate change, the pace of this July’s flash flooding, and that of the past two years, may just be the new normal for mid-summer.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • But the idea of global water bankruptcy shows that in many places, there’s no old normal to go back to.
    — Sara Roversi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of normal
Noun
  • On the other side, morality is supposed to protect people’s personal autonomy and freedom, even when others in their community dislike or disagree with their choices.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Adjective
  • Its separate entrance, elevators, and staff have always set it apart from the surrounding casino ecosystem, offering a smoke-free, gaming-free environment with all the brand’s usual service signatures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For example, someone who is comfortable walking for 30 minutes could walk at their usual pace for several minutes, then pick it up for a minute or two before slowing down again.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • Number 1, because each well requires up to 20 million gallons of fresh water to frac a typical horizontal well.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The wardrobes, however spacious, were creaky; none of the typical five-star tech touches are present—no Nespresso machine, no Dyson hair dryer, no in-wall USB outlets, though there is a charging dock.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • However, beneath the park lies an enormous volcanic system capable of producing eruptions far larger than those associated with conventional volcanoes.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The announcement was striking for the governor, who once supported conventional electric vehicles but then turned on them, becoming increasingly hostile to policies designed to encourage EV adoption.
    — Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of conventional
Noun
  • There aren’t firm benchmarks for testing smartwatch processing power, but both chips support the latest AI, health-tracking, and other features, so neither smartwatch is likely to underperform.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose almost 6% this week as hopes faded of a quick resolution to a deadlock that’s disrupted the flow of oil and other key commodities to global markets.
    — Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of benchmark

Phrases Containing standard

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stand-alone
standard
standard-bearer
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Cite this Entry

“Standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standard. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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