touchstone

noun

ˈtəch-ˌstōn How to pronounce touchstone (audio)
Definition of touchstonenext
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared his book has long been a touchstone for travel writing that aspires to be literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun touchstone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of touchstone are criterion, gauge, standard, and yardstick. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

When could criterion be used to replace touchstone?

The words criterion and touchstone can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would gauge be a reasonable alternative to touchstone?

Although the words gauge and touchstone have much in common, 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 can standard be used instead of touchstone?

While the synonyms standard and touchstone are close in meaning, standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

How do yardstick and criterion relate to one another, in the sense of touchstone?

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 touchstone Christopher Reeve's big-screen run as the DC hero was another touchstone for the filmmaker. —EW.com, 14 July 2025 Kelleher and Watson aim to bridge the two Austin identities to ensure Waterloo Records remains a touchstone as the city evolves. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Knott’s Berry Farm (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) No matter the park, the key touchstones of great theme park theatrics are similar. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 Our internal communications strategy is used as a touchstone to translate vision into action, reaffirming values across several formats: weekly newsletters, chat spaces, monthly print publications, real-time updates, leadership messaging, video content and social platforms. —Umang Modi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
  1. criterion
  2. standard
  3. benchmark
Noun
  • Germany’s Blue Card system, aligned with the EU framework, facilitates residency for highly qualified workers meeting salary thresholds and educational criteria.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The following criteria must be met to issue an AMBER Alert, according to the Department of Public Safety: A child under 18 was abducted.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of criterion
Noun
  • Many such items require special permits and must meet strict health and safety standards.
    — Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Netflix offers customers three plans: standard with ads, standard and premium.
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
Definition of standard
Noun
  • In June, state economists announced those benchmarks won’t be hit.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • The 10,000-step benchmark started as a marketing strategy for a 1960s Japanese pedometer, not a medical recommendation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of benchmark

Browse Nearby Words

touch (on or upon)
touchstone
touchstones
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Cite this Entry

“Touchstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touchstone. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on touchstone

Nglish: Translation of touchstone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about touchstone

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