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
His campaign established the modern role of the Iowa caucuses as a litmus test for the nation.
—
Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024
Votes received: 3 38 Philippe Dufour Simplicity Photo : Phillips
Much as a simple 12-bar blues song or a loaf of French bread showcases the talents of a musician or a baker, the simple time-only watch stands as a kind of litmus test for watchmakers.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
This moment will serve as a litmus test for the next four years.
—Doug Melville, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Madigan's trial is a litmus test for how politics is done in Illinois.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024
Votes received: 3 38 Philippe Dufour Simplicity Photo : Phillips
Much as a simple 12-bar blues song or a loaf of French bread showcases the talents of a musician or a baker, the simple time-only watch stands as a kind of litmus test for watchmakers.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
This moment will serve as a litmus test for the next four years.
—Doug Melville, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Madigan's trial is a litmus test for how politics is done in Illinois.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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He was released in 2022 amid legal challenges to his conviction.—
Danny Tow,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Feb. 2025
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Compounding these challenges is a severe AI talent shortage.—
Wayne Liu,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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To punch a ticket to a state championship, Boswell had to make it through a treacherous gauntlet of playoff opponents.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Feb. 2025
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Donald Trump’s new administration is already stress-testing big blue cities and states, with much more to come, months ahead of a relative handful of voters deciding who’s going to lead NYC through this gauntlet.—
Harry Siegel,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 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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Smith, in 2013, was committed to Whiting Forensic Hospital for up to 60 years when he was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect following a trial in Bridgeport Superior Court in connection with the killing of 43-year-old Angel Gonzalez.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2025
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The two are headed to trial in New York in March 2026.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to litmus test
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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