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
A lot of two-out hits This series was considered a litmus test of sorts for the Mets in the NL East coming into it.
—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2026
How investors see that jagged downward red line is a litmus test of their economic worldview.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
17 June 2026
The Daiquiri is no exception as this simple mix of rum, lime, and sugar is regarded as a litmus test for great bartenders and a great foundation for many more drinks.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
6 June 2026
Massie, who is Libertarian-leaning, seemed to nod at his divergence from the Republican Party on the war, going as far as using some of his colleagues’ skepticism of reports of the deal’s terms as a litmus test for his support of it.
—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2026
How investors see that jagged downward red line is a litmus test of their economic worldview.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
17 June 2026
The Daiquiri is no exception as this simple mix of rum, lime, and sugar is regarded as a litmus test for great bartenders and a great foundation for many more drinks.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
6 June 2026
Massie, who is Libertarian-leaning, seemed to nod at his divergence from the Republican Party on the war, going as far as using some of his colleagues’ skepticism of reports of the deal’s terms as a litmus test for his support of it.
—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Councilwoman Deborah Peoples hosted a Mosier Valley Community meeting at Texas Star Conference Center in Euless on Wednesday evening to provide an update on the progress and plans for Mosier Valley Park, which has faced delays and funding challenges since 2014.
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Those also include new regulations on mail-in voting that are likewise facing legal challenges.
Noun
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The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape.
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Every detail feels intentional, from the intricate French lace to the removable lace gauntlets and dramatic overskirt.
Noun
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Self-translation is the acid test for one’s writing.
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The acid test of whether California is getting bang for its taxpayers’ buck is the fact that former Californians have voted with their feet in droves.
Noun
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Twice before in the past year, a judge has ordered Blake Rakela to remain ineligible for bail pending trial.
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Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
Noun
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In a month jam-packed with elections, the unique race serves as yet another litmus of Trump's endorsement in the midterms.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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