reference point
noun
: something that is used to judge or understand something else
The professor used the study as a reference point for evaluating and discussing other theories.
Examples of reference point in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When your entire team adopts this process, workflows become streamlined and efficient, providing a reliable reference point for new ideas and projects.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Tory Burch is gazing upward as well, though her reference point is a bit more sci-fi.
—Ari Stark, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024
Despite the Trump administration’s suspect abandonment of the three percent rate, that number continues to be used as a reference point in some tax rules and policy proposals.
—James H. Stock, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
But while this reference point is familiar to every Filipino, the dish itself was entirely new.
—Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference point 
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Tory Burch is gazing upward as well, though her reference point is a bit more sci-fi.
—Ari Stark, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024
Despite the Trump administration’s suspect abandonment of the three percent rate, that number continues to be used as a reference point in some tax rules and policy proposals.
—James H. Stock, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
But while this reference point is familiar to every Filipino, the dish itself was entirely new.
—Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reference point
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reference point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near reference point
Cite this Entry
“Reference point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference%20point. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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