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
The partnership goes beyond the AI chip leader’s conventional Western collaborations and may serve as a litmus test for future U.S. export policies with nations that keep close ties with both Washington and China.
—
Chris Eudaily,kristina Partsinevelos, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Multiple states are gearing up for competitive gubernatorial elections in 2026, which will offer a litmus test on voter sentiment.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 6 May 2025
American leaders had framed participation in the Revolution as a litmus test of masculinity, patriotism, and commitment to liberty among American men.
—Time, 5 May 2025
Travis Hunter test If the Patriots truly take a best-player-available approach to the draft, the No. 4 pick could offer an immediate litmus test.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Chris Eudaily,kristina Partsinevelos, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Multiple states are gearing up for competitive gubernatorial elections in 2026, which will offer a litmus test on voter sentiment.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 6 May 2025
American leaders had framed participation in the Revolution as a litmus test of masculinity, patriotism, and commitment to liberty among American men.
—Time, 5 May 2025
Travis Hunter test If the Patriots truly take a best-player-available approach to the draft, the No. 4 pick could offer an immediate litmus test.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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These include the need for practical life skills, preparation for a fast-changing future, the challenge of managing screen time, the importance of affordability, and the search for learning experiences that build direction and self-esteem.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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While the audience is large in the aggregate, the study also points out the growing challenge facing viewers trying to find films in an increasingly fragmented streaming landscape.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Noun
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With a group of experts looking for every possible weakness, having your grant reviewed is a bit like running a gauntlet.—
Kelly S. Mix,
The Conversation,
22 May 2025
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Others were less talented but beat a gauntlet of tough opponents.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Noun
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This is the real acid test for these insurance companies.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
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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
Noun
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And, of course, this is the first major litmus tense of the young and divisive Donald Trump presidency.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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Her litmus to make sure these moments were successful?—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Her late father was a defense attorney for the defensed in former NFL player O.J. Simpson's murder trial.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The case is proceeding to a trial, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 19, 2027, at the Orange County Courthouse, as outlined in the Case Management Order filed with the Orange County Clerk’s Office.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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