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
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Afraid conditions would only worsen, leaders announced in May 2024 their plans to disassemble the chapel, a national historic landmark and popular wedding venue.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Listen to this article Chicago police said seven teens were wounded in an overnight shooting at a large gathering in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood after a St. Sabina graduation party, drawing an angry statement from the church’s longtime leader, Father Michael Pfleger.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
Noun
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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
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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 5 Jun. 2025.
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