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 social media addiction case is considered a bellwether that could shape the fate of thousands of other pending lawsuits, transforming the legal landscape for some of the world’s most powerful companies.
—
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury.
—Barbara Ortutay, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Offensive expectations were low, but both players have seen their defensive bellwethers head in the wrong direction.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
The case was the first bellwether trial in the federal multidistrict litigation involving thousands of other cases and spans several states.
—Miguel Torres, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury.
—Barbara Ortutay, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Offensive expectations were low, but both players have seen their defensive bellwethers head in the wrong direction.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
The case was the first bellwether trial in the federal multidistrict litigation involving thousands of other cases and spans several states.
—Miguel Torres, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
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After deliberations stretching across three weeks, the Sacramento City Council appointed Tuesday a new leader for a local agency tasked with overseeing public housing.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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With Jackson’s death Tuesday, leaders across the region reflected on a legacy that helped shape a generation of local activism and public service — none more so than Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a close friend for more than five decades.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rowe and Mark May were presenters, while Rowe, a pioneer in women's sports broadcasting, interviewed all the nominees in her charming and entertaining way.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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While many potential topics were considered and may yet become exhibits themselves in the near future, press and print emerged as an early favorite due to the unique nature of the pioneer-era objects in our collection.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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