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 The speech is also a kind of litmus test for translators and adaptors, an opportunity for a politically progressive character to let rip not simply against general human hypocrisy but against the particular sins of a moment. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 Support for moratoriums on data center construction has become a litmus test for some voters, progressive and otherwise. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The fight between El-Sayed, who hails from the left flank of the Democratic Party, and moderate Stevens drew national attention as a kind of litmus test of progressivism in a key battleground state. — Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 But critics consider this case and its result a litmus test of Hong Kong's civil rights and judicial independence. — ABC News, 19 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
  • Yet despite these challenges, jeans remain a cornerstone of consumers’ wardrobes, a creative canvas for emerging designers and an incubator for innovation.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That fact that the damage to the boardwalk is cumulative presents a particular challenge, Long Beach Fire Department spokesperson Melanie Miller said Sunday.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of challenge
Noun
  • To complete his gauntlet in November, Flora must defeat Matthew Adams — a Democrat who doesn’t have the name recognition or financial backing of the incumbent.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ohio State and Alabama need wins to maintain momentum ahead of a tougher gantlet, while Mississippi State and Iowa look to prove hot starts are no fluke.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 3 Oct. 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
  • Construction site trial succeeds The team tested the complete system at an active construction site, where a worker wore the device for approximately 165 minutes while performing normal daily activities.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Four days before the trial was to begin, Johnson tried to meet with his client in a Tarrant County jail.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 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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Cite this Entry

“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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