litmus test

noun

Synonyms of litmus test next

: a test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive

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Litmus Test Has Scientific Origins

It was in the 14th century that scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. Six centuries later, people began using litmus test figuratively. It can now refer to any single factor that establishes the true character of something or causes it to be assigned to one category or another. Often it refers to something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that can be used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable or not.

Examples of litmus test in a Sentence

The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates.

Recent Examples on the Web Opinions on Trump's indictments Opinion Judge Cannon brushes aside decades of special counsel rulings Opinion MAGA justices already gave Trump de facto immunity — and disgraced the cour... Opinion The Hunter Biden and Trump trials were a litmus test. —

Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 On the other hand, Republicans and many religious conservatives have seized on support for Israel—including unrestrained backing for right-wing Israeli governments—as an article of faith, and, increasingly, a political litmus test. —

Dahlia Scheindlin, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2024 Opinion Our European allies have every reason to fear Trump’s return Opinion Indiana is revealing the real consequences of one-party rule Opinion The Hunter Biden and Trump trials were a litmus test. —

Alexi McCammond, Washington Post, 25 June 2024 While New York’s high-stakes U.S. House races might help decide control of Congress in November, the Empire State’s upcoming June 25 primaries are worth following as a litmus test of growing cracks within the Democratic Party. —

Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for litmus test

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'litmus test.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.