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
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
A week after a shootout win over rival Pueblo County, the Cyclones got a litmus test in the Panthers.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025
An outstanding litmus test between a school coming off a Div.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
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
A week after a shootout win over rival Pueblo County, the Cyclones got a litmus test in the Panthers.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025
An outstanding litmus test between a school coming off a Div.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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This presents a huge challenge to the body to circulate blood in the veins all the way back up to the heart with a pressure barely above zero.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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Dutch Bros is a challenge for police, Chief Chris Niehaus said.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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The Tigers celebrated their homecoming with a 42-6 win, with a gauntlet of an SEC schedule about to get underway.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
28 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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Those cuts have left some families who had been hoping to join trials of new treatments scrambling to find other options.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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Rocha’s attorneys also filed multiple motions for acquittal, which were denied by circuit court Judge David Chamberlain, who is presiding over the trial.—
PJ Green
September 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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