Synonyms of bellwethers

bellwethers

noun

plural of bellwether

as in leaders

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• leaders
• pioneers
• trendsetters
• pacesetters
• pacemakers
• harbingers
• pacers
• innovators
• forerunners
• precursors
• heralds
• groundbreakers
• foregoers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitators
• followers
• Johnny-come-latelies
• me-tooers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bellwethers

There are few better bellwethers for investment in Sub-Saharan Africa than Ethiopia. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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

Gin noted the biggest job gains were in health care, not in sectors that are seen as bellwethers of economic growth. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 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

Four races in particular will serve as bellwethers in the power struggle. — Bayliss Wagner, Houston Chronicle, 12 Feb. 2026

Offensive expectations were low, but both players have seen their defensive bellwethers head in the wrong direction. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026

The Los Angeles trial is among a handful of bellwethers meant to clarify the uncharted legal terrain. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Whether 2025's Democratic Party victories are bellwethers or blips will play out this year. — Tim Webber, Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026