BELLWETHER Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

bellwether

noun

ˈbel-ˈwe-t͟hər

Definition of bellwether

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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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 Pharma leadership is being reinforced by IHE's push to new highs and a fresh weekly MACD crossover, and JNJ is showing the types of intermediate-term signals that can precede rotation into other large-cap bellwethers. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 8 June 2026 Even as the convention’s membership shrinks, the annual meeting serves as a bellwether for religious and political trends among evangelicals. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 The mother is the nation’s caregiver, its primary consumer, its most reliable economic bellwether. — Allison Stern, Fortune, 3 June 2026 One bellwether for independent-minded progressives, South Side Ald. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

The Burbank airport’s site in the San Fernando Valley, however, has often put its leaders at odds with residents of surrounding suburban neighborhoods.

— Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
On Monday night, a group of residents and community leaders, including City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, met with Lineage officials to discuss their concerns stemming from the fire.

— City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

Baby Carrie has not been born yet at the start of the series, in part so the show could explore pioneer pregnancy and childbirth.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Biologists ranging from the evolutionary theorist Ernst Mayr to the pioneer of molecular biology Jacques Monod have acknowledged that.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2026

Definition of pioneer

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellwether

noun

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