yardstick

noun

ˈyärd-ˌstik How to pronounce yardstick (audio)
Definition of yardsticknext
as in criterion
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared this essay will be the yardstick by which I grade the others

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun yardstick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of yardstick are criterion, gauge, standard, and touchstone. While all these words mean "a means of determining what a thing should be," yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

When is criterion a more appropriate choice than yardstick?

The meanings of criterion and yardstick 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 might gauge be a better fit than yardstick?

The words gauge and yardstick are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 would standard be a good substitute for yardstick?

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

standards of behavior

When could touchstone be used to replace yardstick?

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

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

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 yardstick Productivity is a yardstick for measuring the efficiency juggle between what’s produced in a state and how much labor is needed to get the job done. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 June 2025 Key Background To that end, Tesla stock is up 17% since Election Day, trouncing the S&P 500 yardstick’s 5% return. —Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 That is enough in principle, if enriched further, for six nuclear bombs, according to an IAEA yardstick. —Reuters, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025 The stock market no longer appears to be President Trump's go-to yardstick for success. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for yardstick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yardstick
  1. criterion
  2. standard
  3. benchmark
  4. measure
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
Noun
  • The department first introduced the program earlier this summer as one of its measures to combat an uptick in crime across the city, particularly in the urban core.
    — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • These rules and measures must regulate the conduct of public and private operators within the States’ jurisdiction or control and be accompanied by effective enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure their implementation.
    — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of measure

Browse Nearby Words

yard sales
yardstick
yardsticks
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Cite this Entry

“Yardstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yardstick. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of yardstick for Spanish Speakers

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