Quality gates refer to the checkpoints or milestones in a software development project that ensure the project's quality meets the expected standards. There are several synonyms for quality gates, including acceptance checkpoints, evaluation points, quality control checkpoints, quality checkpoints, and quality assurance stages. These synonyms all refer to stages in a project where the quality of the output is assessed and evaluated according to specific criteria. By using these synonyms, it's easier to understand and communicate the importance of quality management in software development. Effective utilization of quality gates can help ensure the success of a project, customer satisfaction, and the reputation of the development team.