Thesaurus results for LITMUS TEST

litmus test

noun

Definition of litmus test

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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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 And the only litmus test of finding the personnel who will thrive in the Chesney system is forming relationships off the field — allowing authenticity to rise to the top. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Wired is seeing that this draft works as a litmus test for Darius Garland. — The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 23 June 2026 That’s been the litmus test, really. — Matt Minton, Variety, 19 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for litmus test

Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test

Noun

Privacy concerns The EU’s new mandate also highlights critical questions over privacy in the AI era — and the challenges tech companies and regulators face in solving them.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Nolan's non-linear storytelling and minimal exposition challenge some, yet the visual grandeur and powerful performances, including Anne Hathaway's Penelope and a diverse ensemble, are undeniable.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of challenge

Noun

Rather than throwing down the gauntlet, gather information and approach the situation with an open mind.

— Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026
With nature’s molecule at the core, the drug candidate then faces the same gauntlet of clinical trials as any other, a process that often spans a decade or more.

— Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026

Definition of gauntlet

Noun

Ahead of the trial, the commonwealth also filed a motion to admit audio recordings of the 911 call Patrick Clancy made after returning home and discovering his family.

— Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
He was called to testify as a witness at Rubiales’ criminal trial in February 2025, where prosecutors sought jail time over the kiss and alleged efforts to pressure Hermoso into downplaying it.

— Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 20 July 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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“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of litmus test

noun

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