touchstone

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.

The book was a touchstone in her own life, because she admired its heroine’s courage even if she never had the courage to emulate it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Here, too, Beethoven serves as a musical, spiritual and political touchstone.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Moira was my touchstone as I struggled with the reality of an unusually transient life, having lived in 29 homes by the age of 46.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Founded by storyteller Anant Pai after he noticed children on a quiz show knew more about Greek gods than their own mythological heroes, ACK quickly became a cultural touchstone.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Its Olympian tone made it a perennial touchstone at those political occasions requiring platitudinous wisdom.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis