Synonyms of bellwether

bellwether

noun

ˈbel-ˈwe-t͟hər 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• leader
• pioneer
• trendsetter
• pacesetter
• pacemaker
• harbinger
• pacer
• forerunner
• innovator
• precursor
• herald
• groundbreaker
• foregoer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follower
• imitator
• Johnny-come-lately
• me-tooer

Examples of bellwether in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s been a busy election year in Michigan; the state was a bellwether in previous presidential elections, especially in 2016 and 2020, and will be a key battleground state in 2024 as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are on a collision course for November. —Detroit Free Press, 8 Aug. 2024

Inaugurated in 1973, the Whitney Biennial is considered one of the bellwether exhibitions of contemporary art. —News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2024

Their organizing is especially getting noticed ahead of two crucial bellwether races this November in Central California that could determine which party controls the U.S. House. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 1 Aug. 2024

Influential Kevin Feige: Marvel maestro, box office bellwether June 2, 2024 Now with Fox’s superhero characters in play, Marvel can open another lane of interest for new or lapsed fans — and potentially hush persistent talk of superhero fatigue. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024

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