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
As a new year begins, many eyes will be watching aviation developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is often a bellwether for the industry.
—
Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Bitcoin, still the bellwether, is on track for an annual loss after slumping from its October peak.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
But the race over a seat Republicans flipped red in 2022 could prove to be a mid-year bellwether of the effectiveness of Florida Democrats’ messaging in competitive districts and ability to get voters to the polls.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
The Screen Actors Guild Awards has served as a final pit stop, functioning as a bellwether for Oscar night’s big winner and, at times, a red herring — just ask Ron Howard.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Bitcoin, still the bellwether, is on track for an annual loss after slumping from its October peak.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
But the race over a seat Republicans flipped red in 2022 could prove to be a mid-year bellwether of the effectiveness of Florida Democrats’ messaging in competitive districts and ability to get voters to the polls.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025
The Screen Actors Guild Awards has served as a final pit stop, functioning as a bellwether for Oscar night’s big winner and, at times, a red herring — just ask Ron Howard.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
-
The Chiefs’ announcement has energized Missouri leaders around keeping the Royals.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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Drivers will no longer be able to travel straight through the corridor, though county leaders say local access will remain available for people who live or work in the area.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His father, Carl Reiner, was a legendary pioneer in television who created the iconic 1960s comedy, The Dick Van Dyke Show.—
Steve Futterman,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
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Chua is often credited as one of the pioneers of modern mixology in Singapore.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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