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
Demanding political litmus tests The third tactic may be the most debilitating within the military itself.
—
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Sleeping well after a big decision has always been my litmus test to know if a jump is right.
—Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
But while wrestling the league title back from Barcelona at the first time of asking would represent success for Alonso, the litmus test for any Real Madrid manager remains the Champions League.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Both teams expect to be playing deep into January (and maybe into February if things go right), so this prime-time showdown will be a good litmus test for both squads.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Sleeping well after a big decision has always been my litmus test to know if a jump is right.
—Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
But while wrestling the league title back from Barcelona at the first time of asking would represent success for Alonso, the litmus test for any Real Madrid manager remains the Champions League.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Both teams expect to be playing deep into January (and maybe into February if things go right), so this prime-time showdown will be a good litmus test for both squads.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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This particular challenge serves many purposes.—
Joe Boylan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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That posed a challenge for DBS, which serves clients across China, Southeast Asia, and India.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Kathleen Chalfant – a venerated stage actress with memorable turns in film and television – is officially entering the gauntlet for this year’s best actress prize.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
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Yes, the Red Wings’ opening schedule looks like a gauntlet, with their first six games coming against playoff teams from last season.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Russia's drone incursion into Poland now poses an acid test for NATO and the European Union.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
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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
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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Miles, who is accused of aiding and abetting Davis by giving him the gun used to kill Harris, faces a capital murder trial in December.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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According to the Danville San Ramon, Moseby’s criminal trial has been delayed eight times in recent years as both his attorneys and prosecutors from the district attorney’s office have requested more time to work on the case.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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