as in challenge
something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable
The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates.
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Recent Examples of litmus test
How to answer this question This question is a litmus test for job seekers, too.
—
Eli Rubel, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2025
The Housemaid is by far the bigger play for Lionsgate, and that will be the litmus test of Sweeney as a potential marquee star post the $220M-plus surprise sleeper Anyone But You versus Americana, which was a limited play.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
The information is a litmus test of how everyone feels about Tamra and Katie.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
This is where a SOC 2 examination has become the new litmus test for trust.
—Jatin Narang, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Eli Rubel, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2025
The Housemaid is by far the bigger play for Lionsgate, and that will be the litmus test of Sweeney as a potential marquee star post the $220M-plus surprise sleeper Anyone But You versus Americana, which was a limited play.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
The information is a litmus test of how everyone feels about Tamra and Katie.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
This is where a SOC 2 examination has become the new litmus test for trust.
—Jatin Narang, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Each phase requires different interception techniques because of its distinct challenges to missile defenses.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus chairman Bryan Strawser told the Washington Examiner that tens of thousands of AR-style rifles and accessories are already lawfully owned in Minnesota, and state-level bans on these items would likely not survive legal challenges.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The kitchen needs to turn out three meals a day that are creative enough to draw in finicky locals, anodyne enough to satisfy an international clientele, and sturdy enough to survive the room-service gauntlet.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
31 Aug. 2025
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Title contenders in the gauntlet that is the Western Conference could also share that mentality.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While Google’s wildly popular TV analogue has hosted the out-of-market Sunday Ticket package since 2023, Friday’s AFC West clash will be an acid test.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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The 2025 season could very well be an acid test of sorts for Purdy.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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And, of course, this is the first major litmus tense of the young and divisive Donald Trump presidency.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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Her litmus to make sure these moments were successful?—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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As part of his conviction in a four-day trial in Kenton County Circuit Court, Simpson received a first-degree persistent felony offender enhancement.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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