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
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
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
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But respectful debate has given way to vitriol, amplified by leaders who use division as a political tool.—
Krutika Kuppalli,
Time,
12 Aug. 2025
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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
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Restaurant Ark: Holding a prestigious Michelin Green Star, Ark is a pioneer in vegan fine dining.—
Michele Robson,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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