double standard

noun

1
: a set of principles that applies differently and usually more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another
especially : a code of morals that applies more severe standards of sexual behavior to women than to men
2
: bimetallism

Examples of double standard in a Sentence

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Women seeking political office have long grappled with double standards around the demands of motherhood, with many waiting to seek office once their children were grown. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 But even during the court battle, Anthropic worked closely with the White House – a confusing double standard. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 More than anything, there's a clear double standard at play with the way Callaway is being treated by the PGA Tour, Golf Channel, and retailers. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Boycotters have accused the European Broadcasting Union, which owns the contest, of a double standard for allowing Israel to remain while banning Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for double standard

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double standard was in 1872

Rhymes for double standard

See All Rhymes for double standard

Browse Nearby Words

double square
double standard
double star
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double standard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20standard. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

double standard

noun
: a set of standards that applies differently and usually more harshly to one group of people or circumstances than to another

More from Merriam-Webster on double standard

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about double standard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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