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
Demanding political litmus tests The third tactic may be the most debilitating within the military itself.
—
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Sleeping well after a big decision has always been my litmus test to know if a jump is right.
—Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
But while wrestling the league title back from Barcelona at the first time of asking would represent success for Alonso, the litmus test for any Real Madrid manager remains the Champions League.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Both teams expect to be playing deep into January (and maybe into February if things go right), so this prime-time showdown will be a good litmus test for both squads.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Sleeping well after a big decision has always been my litmus test to know if a jump is right.
—Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
But while wrestling the league title back from Barcelona at the first time of asking would represent success for Alonso, the litmus test for any Real Madrid manager remains the Champions League.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Both teams expect to be playing deep into January (and maybe into February if things go right), so this prime-time showdown will be a good litmus test for both squads.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Given the importance of culture to employee engagement, this created a challenge for the firm, which features on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For – Europe list 2025.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
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Set against a stunning backdrop inspired by Ancient Greece, from boulder-rolling challenges inspired by Sisyphus to tense encounters with Medusa’s gaze, every quest determines the players that earn the strategic power to decide who visits Pandora’s Box.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What would a maximum-difficulty gauntlet look like for this 2025 bracket?—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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With three of the next four opponents having offenses ranking in the bottom 10 in yards per game, the time is now for the Cowboys’ defense to figure out its issues before the gauntlet that awaits in November and December.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Russia's drone incursion into Poland now poses an acid test for NATO and the European Union.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
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While Google’s wildly popular TV analogue has hosted the out-of-market Sunday Ticket package since 2023, Friday’s AFC West clash will be an acid test.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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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The attorneys agreed that the case should be scheduled for trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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Serafini’s attorney also asked Butrick about telling KCRA about seeing Serafini’s demeanor in court during the trial.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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