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litmus test

noun

Definition of litmus testnext
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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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 test After coming out flat in a litmus test in Indiana, the Liberty nearly blew a 28-point fourth-quarter lead in a bounce-back game against the retooling Los Angeles Sparks at Barclays Center. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 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 Add in the race and religion factors animating the race, and Tuesday’s primary in Michigan could lay bare which litmus tests are likely to shape the 2028 presidential contest. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
  1. challenge
  2. gauntlet
  3. acid test
  4. trial
  5. litmus
Noun
  • Facing a challenge from the right, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Sunday that Italy would ban face coverings in schools.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Trump’s announcement comes as the arch, like his other projects, faces legal challenges.
    — Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of challenge
Noun
  • That’s definitely true right now for the Trojans, who face a gauntlet of a schedule in the coming weeks after Oregon.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • After running the gauntlet of crash barriers and hordes of fans, guests were treated to salty French fries and greasy burgers, with gin tonics and martinis to quench their thirst.
    — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of gauntlet
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
  • They were held to answer on murder and torture charges Thursday after a four-day preliminary hearing in Compton, and face either life in prison or the death penalty if convicted at trial.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Several of Desronvil's fellow jurors who have spoken publicly since the trial say that deliberations eventually yielded an 11-1 split in favor of not guilty by reason of insanity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of trial
Noun
  • 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
Definition of litmus

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litmuses
litmus test
litmus tests
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Cite this Entry

“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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