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
The case is being closely watched as a bellwether for how the Justice Department under President Donald Trump handles high-profile corporate prosecutions.
—
Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
So Bird stands as a bellwether for Colorado’s present and future.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
The race served as a bellwether for the future of the Democratic Party, one between an older, moderate political establishment and a youthful, progressive vision for the party.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Four successive London derbies is a quirk to start their campaign before a trip to Old Trafford represents an early bellwether fixture.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
So Bird stands as a bellwether for Colorado’s present and future.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
The race served as a bellwether for the future of the Democratic Party, one between an older, moderate political establishment and a youthful, progressive vision for the party.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Four successive London derbies is a quirk to start their campaign before a trip to Old Trafford represents an early bellwether fixture.
—Colin Millar, New York Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
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The White House sent letters to leaders of several countries announcing blanket tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% starting Aug. 1.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
8 July 2025
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This is the question on every e-commerce leader’s mind: If AI overviews answer everything up front, will people still click through to my site?—
Karan Sharma,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The neo-soul pioneer treated fans to a journey through her extensive catalog of hits, each song delivered with her signature blend of spiritual intensity and playful irreverence.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
6 July 2025
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Visitors can congregate under the sculptures honoring jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Mahalia Jackson and others.—
Martie Bowser,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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