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
Saturday’s matchup against the Seattle Sounders loomed as a litmus test of where the team stood in comparison to some of the real contenders.
—
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Advocates for foreign students fear that a new Trump administration visa requirement of a social media review will serve as an ideological litmus test.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 23 June 2025
Parents worry their children will face litmus tests.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
This race is considered one of the best litmus tests for the type of Democrat to likely be nominated to statewide office in the future.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Advocates for foreign students fear that a new Trump administration visa requirement of a social media review will serve as an ideological litmus test.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 23 June 2025
Parents worry their children will face litmus tests.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
This race is considered one of the best litmus tests for the type of Democrat to likely be nominated to statewide office in the future.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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One of these challenges helped William Saliba out of a tricky situation after the defender misread the flight of the ball, while another led to a pass to Odegaard after Viktor Gyokeres lost possession in the centre circle.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
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Eminem is never one to back down from a rap challenge, and after being called out by LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells platform on X, Slim Shady delivered.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The event saw the former MVP coach and mentor service members in football drills such as the 40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet and the QB arm challenge.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Across one horrible, no good, very bad day, McClane crosses paths with shop owner Zeus Carver (Jackson), who's forced to join McClane for a gauntlet of mind-bending riddles and death-defying jaunts across the city.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This is the real acid test for these insurance companies.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
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Liverpool passed acid tests in Milan and Manchester, and are perfect from six Champions League games, only conceding once.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
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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More: Milwaukee man faces trial in north side crash that killed 69-year-old woman What are the charges against Darius Boldery?—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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But her high-profile indictment could present electoral issues for Brown, who is still awaiting trial on the criminal charges.—
Mary Ramsey
August 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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