baseline

[beys-lahyn] / ˈbeɪsˌlaɪn /

NOUN

basic standard or level

Synonyms

STRONGEST

control criterion guideline measure standard

STRONG

diagnostic touchstone

WEAK

basis example exemplar paradigm precedent threshold

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

January’s home price data offers a baseline before recent mortgage rate hikes, reflecting a period of optimism and lower rates.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The country's Central Bank has assessed a baseline scenario in which the war ends relatively soon and supply chains are restored.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The fossils "provide a critical, missing baseline for New Zealand's natural history."

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

A SEP often moves markets the afternoon it’s released, and it sets a baseline against which investors judge subsequent policy decisions and statements from Fed officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

They passed the ball to one of their forwards coming along the baseline and he passed it to their center.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers