Definition of bellwethernext
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 As a bellwether, MGM Television Studios recently announced that an eight-part TV drama for MGM+ based on a reimagining of the 1960 western film The Magnificent Seven and to star Matt Dillon will start production in Calgary, Alberta in June 2026. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026 The Producers Guild, which uses a preferential ballot like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does, is among the most predictive of bellwethers. ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026 Qualcomm’s chips power millions of devices from companies like Samsung, Motorola, Meta and many others, so its new commitment could be a sort of bellwether for the consumer tech world. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026 The rise in crude oil prices has fueled a sharp runup in energy stocks, but a few bellwethers are showing signs of upside exhaustion that warrant patience for investors looking to take advantage of their bullish longer-term technical setups. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether
Noun
  • The conflict was sparked by Hezbollah targeting Israel after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, breaking a 2024 ceasefire that in any case had largely failed.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Now that local leaders have cleared the way, CoreCivic can begin accepting detainees under its $60 million-a-year contract with ICE.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Embrace the slightly dystopian vibe and buy a bag of pellets from one of the old-timey pioneer stores to hand-feed the furry descendants.
    Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The 1986 season boasted rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

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

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