BELLWETHER Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 All the mudslinging debates and the millions of dollars spent on attack ads might not matter for the six – yes, six – Democratic candidates still vying to be the top official in this bellwether blue state. —

Terry Collins, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Cerebras is being watched as a bellwether for the AI-infrastructure investment cycle, as tech companies race to secure the hardware and compute capacity needed to train and run AI systems. —

Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 May 2026 The coast was a near constant companion from the first day on, and our initial lunch stop was the bellwether of what to expect on the culinary front, La Meridiana Relais & Châteaux’s presentation of delicacies from the Italian Riviera. —

Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 11 May 2026 For any studio, the second weekend decline is the true bellwether of whether a film is becoming a water-cooler sensation. —

Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
In 1940, French President General Charles de Gaulle checked in to conduct war meetings with US and British leaders.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026