litmus

noun

Definition of litmusnext
as in litmus test

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Example Sentences

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 litmus But if President Xi does make a move, whether by mounting a full-scale attack or using his military to blockade the island, the key question will be where such actions fall on the litmus scale. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2025 One of the best was the part about enjoying the season and not making playoff success your litmus for hockey fandom happiness. — Murat Ates, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 Alpert maintains that his litmus for music has remained the same throughout the decades. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for litmus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus
  1. litmus test
  2. crucible
  3. cross
  4. acid test
  5. ordeal
Noun
  • Chesney’s mental training ultimately serves as a litmus test in discovering who is cut from a different cloth.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • With three preseason games and two joint practices ahead in the coming weeks, the Cowboys will get a few litmus tests before hitting the field in Week 1 against the New York Giants.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of litmus test
Noun
  • The crucible of childbirth is often spoken of as transformative, the self-sacrifice of pregnancy as part of becoming a parent.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The standard venture model assumes that the best companies attract the most competition, and that winners emerge from that crucible.
    — Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of crucible
Noun
  • The finale underlines that break in its final scenes, cross-cutting between the former friends as Alicent makes her first and only appearance in the episode at the exact moment the full tragedy of Rhaenyra’s upper hand becomes apparent.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In the 51st minute, Sonis’ cross reached Yazmeen Ryan, who took a touch and blasted it home for the 1-0 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of cross
Noun
  • Self-translation is the acid test for one’s writing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
  • But the way Arsenal are performing, a very tight victory seems the most likely outcome before the acid test away to Manchester City next weekend.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of acid test
Noun
  • But as the AskHistorians ordeal illustrates, more enforcement doesn’t necessarily mean better enforcement.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The ordeal was so dire that Papa’s doctor advised him to prepare his family for the worst.
    — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of ordeal

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Cite this Entry

“Litmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on litmus

Nglish: Translation of litmus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about litmus

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