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
Together, the two giants command over $4 trillion in market cap and are seen as bellwethers for AI innovation and advertising resilience.
—
Catherine Baab, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
Positioned just two weeks before the 97th Oscars, the SAG Awards serve as a bellwether for Oscar success, particularly in the acting categories, which often overlap with Academy voters.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is being viewed as the first critical bellwether of Trump’s second term.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
But Virginia is still seen as a national bellwether by many political forecasters, who point out that Youngkin's 2021 victory was the first setback for Democrats during former President Joe Biden's tenure.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Catherine Baab, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
Positioned just two weeks before the 97th Oscars, the SAG Awards serve as a bellwether for Oscar success, particularly in the acting categories, which often overlap with Academy voters.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is being viewed as the first critical bellwether of Trump’s second term.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
But Virginia is still seen as a national bellwether by many political forecasters, who point out that Youngkin's 2021 victory was the first setback for Democrats during former President Joe Biden's tenure.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
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Trump 100 days: Former president's success created measuring stick for future leaders Poll: Trump loses trust on the economy as 100-day mark nears From Trump to Reagan: Their first 100 days Trump promised to improve the economy on Day 1.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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President Trump, Vice President Vance React to First American Pope Announcement World leaders across continents extended messages of hope, unity and spiritual solidarity Thursday after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
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And Dana Walden was sort of a pioneer both at Fox’s studio and then at the network of things that were edgy.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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Since 1997, Powertec has been a pioneer in innovative home and commercial strength equipment, bringing the gym experience into clients’ homes and facilities.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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