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 Budgets do not become law but serve as a touchstone for the upcoming fiscal year debates. —Lisa Mascaro and Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 Premiering in 1953 in French with a subsequent English-language production premiering in 1955 in London, Godot went on to become a cultural touchstone and has been translated into dozens of languages. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Pellerin had been toying with shades of white or beige for the casino, but the terra-cotta became a touchstone. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 Heckerling, creator of other cinematic touchstones like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Johnny Dangerously, once recalled the story a little differently. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for touchstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touchstone
  1. criterion
  2. standard
  3. benchmark
Noun
  • So far, since returning from Washington to her native state, Harris, 60, has displayed none of the above criteria that California needs in its next governor.
    — George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • Renters must meet a variety of sustainability criteria including solar panels, water flow reduction, renewable energy and recycling programs.
    — Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of 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
  • Interestingly, there’s an international standard for PIN code management in financial services, ISO 9564-1, and this allows for PINs of up to 12 digits.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of standard
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
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 6 Jun. 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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