as in standard
something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared
this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 benchmark
Under the state’s pay schedule, with no county supplement, teachers would not reach that benchmark until their 25th year.
—
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Either way, the listings offer a better way to know how much a business is worth and offers a benchmark for comparison.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026
Illinois should follow that lead rather than masking weak outcomes with lower benchmarks.
—Bruce Rauner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
So many memorable spots have closed, new favorites have opened, and others are approaching a notable benchmark.
—Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for benchmark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benchmark
Noun
-
An example of a standard in summer is a sherbert series featuring lactose and vanilla.—
-
Recent data showed that police response is becoming faster, but still lags behind California standards.—
Noun
-
However, it was later determined that the case did not meet authorities' acceptance criteria at the time.—
-
Prosecutors said last weekend that the legal criteria to detain the bar's owners had so far not been met.—
Cite this Entry
“Benchmark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benchmark. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share