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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Recent Examples of litmus test
Other candidates running in the Democratic primary have been more vocal about what is increasingly becoming a litmus test for those seeking the city's highest office.
—
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
That only adds to the significance of these two games, which already represent litmus tests for a Nuggets team that has struggled against other top contenders.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2025
Healthcare has long served as the ultimate litmus test for artificial intelligence (AI).
—Amber Nigam, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But some also argue that the tensions in today’s Democratic Party no longer center on the kinds of ideological clashes that characterized the 2020 primary race — left versus moderate and litmus tests on issues like single-payer health care.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
That only adds to the significance of these two games, which already represent litmus tests for a Nuggets team that has struggled against other top contenders.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2025
Healthcare has long served as the ultimate litmus test for artificial intelligence (AI).
—Amber Nigam, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But some also argue that the tensions in today’s Democratic Party no longer center on the kinds of ideological clashes that characterized the 2020 primary race — left versus moderate and litmus tests on issues like single-payer health care.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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From wearable devices to education services, these young trailblazers are solving global challenges with innovative products and platforms.—
Brianne Garrett,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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This intricate conceit poses challenges for modern audiences.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The gauntlet begins with Monday’s road game in Dallas, where the Wild rallied late for a 3-2 overtime win on Dec. 27, in their first trip to the Lone Star State this season.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 Mar. 2025
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Boston may have a better chance at the division title this year now that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is out for the entire season, but Saturday seemed to portend the American League East will still be more gauntlet than cake-walk.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
22 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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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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But Thompson said these four trials paint an incomplete picture.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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Prosecutors and Read's defense team called more than 65 witnesses in testimony during her first trial, including relatives of O’Keefe, forensic experts and investigators.—
Jessica Trufant,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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