as in gauntlets
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 tests
Under the new rules, peer review is optional, while ideological litmus tests are standard.
—
ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus tests
Noun
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Is the Hockomock League one of the toughest gauntlets in Massachusetts again?—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Despite these challenges, the Panthers are coming off a dominant 30–0 victory over the Falcons, showcasing their potential when healthy.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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Those with multiple lanes of traffic are more complicated, and Bryson said, this is where there have been more challenges, with drivers trying to change lanes in the roundabout.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus tests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20tests. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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