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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bellwether In general, secondary market watch prices act as a bellwether for brands’ desirability. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 July 2025 That lack of visibility is especially challenging for FedEx — an economic bellwether — since its customers include a broad swath of industries, from manufacturing to consumer goods. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 June 2025 The outcome could carry significant implications for the Democratic Party nationally, as party strategists and observers look to New York as a bellwether for the traction of progressive versus moderate agendas in urban contests. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Banking bellwethers The markets seem to be banking on the financial sector to keep up the positive earnings momentum this quarter. Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
  • But respectful debate has given way to vitriol, amplified by leaders who use division as a political tool.
    Krutika Kuppalli, Time, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Trump has signaled Zelensky would not participate in Friday’s summit, though the US president previewed his plans to phone Kyiv immediately after the meeting, along with other European leaders, to brief them.
    Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Restaurant Ark: Holding a prestigious Michelin Green Star, Ark is a pioneer in vegan fine dining.
    Michele Robson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • German production house Bavaria Fiction has become a green pioneer by securing validation for its headquarters under the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, the world’s most demanding environmental management system, and ISO 14001 Certification.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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