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
The Louvre has become a bellwether of global overtourism – a gilded palace overwhelmed by its own popularity.
—
Thomas Adamson, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025
As streaming platforms and social content expand their scope, this category continues to serve as a bellwether for innovation in form and format.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 June 2025
As one of the highest-profile off-year contests this race will be read as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Davidson and Massie, given their votes on that legislation, are not exactly bellwethers for the rest of their party.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Thomas Adamson, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025
As streaming platforms and social content expand their scope, this category continues to serve as a bellwether for innovation in form and format.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 June 2025
As one of the highest-profile off-year contests this race will be read as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Davidson and Massie, given their votes on that legislation, are not exactly bellwethers for the rest of their party.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
-
The White House sent letters to leaders of several countries announcing blanket tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% starting Aug. 1.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
8 July 2025
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This is the question on every e-commerce leader’s mind: If AI overviews answer everything up front, will people still click through to my site?—
Karan Sharma,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The neo-soul pioneer treated fans to a journey through her extensive catalog of hits, each song delivered with her signature blend of spiritual intensity and playful irreverence.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
6 July 2025
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Visitors can congregate under the sculptures honoring jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Mahalia Jackson and others.—
Martie Bowser,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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