as in leader
one that takes the lead or sets an example
the state has a long history of being an early and reliable bellwether in presidential elections
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Recent Examples of bellwether
In Switzerland, the redoubled interest in civilian protection is more a bellwether for shifting public attitudes than a sign of an actual change in policy.
—
Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Though an officially nonpartisan race, the Democrat-Republican matchup took on heavily partisan tones at the tail end, acting as a possible bellwether for 2026 midterm elections.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The recent surge in gold—history's most reliable inflation bellwether—warns that the greenback is already sliding.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The answer will become clearer over the next few months, with attendance at Sunday’s event in L.A., and at satellite events in Chicago and New York City, serving as a key bellwether.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Though an officially nonpartisan race, the Democrat-Republican matchup took on heavily partisan tones at the tail end, acting as a possible bellwether for 2026 midterm elections.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The recent surge in gold—history's most reliable inflation bellwether—warns that the greenback is already sliding.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The answer will become clearer over the next few months, with attendance at Sunday’s event in L.A., and at satellite events in Chicago and New York City, serving as a key bellwether.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
-
However, today’s tech leaders’ political positions are a mixed bag.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia.—
Pavel Polityuk,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The film explores transgender identity and legacy, chronicling the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear and others.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
30 May 2025
-
Consistent with his other boutiques, the space’s interior incorporates marble and terrazzo, paired with furnishings by celebrated artists like French Art Deco pioneer Jacques Adnet, American designer Edward Wormley and American woodworker and architect George Nakashima.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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