as in challenge
something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable
The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of litmus test
Police surveillance has been a hot-button issue in the Metro Council, and this legislation is considered an important litmus test.
—
Nate Rau, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025
The election could also serve as an early litmus test for Republicans and Democrats after President Donald Trump won every swing state, including Wisconsin.
—Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Alex Bregman remained a free agent, representing a litmus test for ownership’s willingness to spend.
—Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
France’s new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has signaled that the legislation could return to the agenda — providing something of a litmus test for those watching France’s efforts to rein in its deficits.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Nate Rau, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025
The election could also serve as an early litmus test for Republicans and Democrats after President Donald Trump won every swing state, including Wisconsin.
—Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Alex Bregman remained a free agent, representing a litmus test for ownership’s willingness to spend.
—Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
France’s new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has signaled that the legislation could return to the agenda — providing something of a litmus test for those watching France’s efforts to rein in its deficits.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Captive breeding programs have been established to safeguard the population, while conservationists are also addressing a more complex challenge: hybridization with domestic cats.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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In October, after successfully beating back a court challenge by Republicans, the Department of Homeland Security announced that existing beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole would not be able to renew the benefit after two years.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Since its launch in 2018, D20 has survived a gauntlet of uncertainty, rocked by layoffs from its corporate owners just before a pandemic sent them all playing virtually in isolation.—
Eric Francisco,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
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The Crusaders are no strangers to winning the section’s toughest gauntlet.—
Joseph Dycus,
The Mercury News,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Liverpool passed acid tests in Milan and Manchester, and are perfect from six Champions League games, only conceding once.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
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That was the acid test that our music was acceptable.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Her litmus to make sure these moments were successful?—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
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One of the best was the part about enjoying the season and not making playoff success your litmus for hockey fandom happiness.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The midfielder travelled to the United States for separate trial periods but decided against a move.—
Colin Millar,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Sharon is the first member of the coven to die after the first of the five trials; meanwhile, the rest of the coven fends off further danger, faces new challenges, and even adds a new member to their ranks, replacing poor Sharon almost immediately.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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