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
While the Cowboys will have 10 days of rest before taking on the Packers, the back-to-back road swing of Green Bay and the Philadelphia Eagles will be a true litmus test of where the team could be headed.
—
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
But it’s meant as a litmus test.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
In deep-red Idaho, where Republicans dominate the state’s Legislature and executive branch, disagreement over how aggressively the state should enforce immigration policy has become a litmus test for some of whether Republican politicians are sufficiently conservative.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
In California governor race, single-payer is a litmus test.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
But it’s meant as a litmus test.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
In deep-red Idaho, where Republicans dominate the state’s Legislature and executive branch, disagreement over how aggressively the state should enforce immigration policy has become a litmus test for some of whether Republican politicians are sufficiently conservative.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
In California governor race, single-payer is a litmus test.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Finding a sandal that looks dressy, but is comfortable enough to walk miles in is a challenge.—
Aemilia Madden,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
-
The challenge ahead is fundamentally different.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The gauntlet of booby traps culminating in the giant boulder that kick off Raiders is my single favorite opening sequence in a movie ever.—
Chris Nashawaty,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
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Objectively, running the full gauntlet of a classification’s elite is a steeper climb.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Self-translation is the acid test for one’s writing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
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The acid test of whether California is getting bang for its taxpayers’ buck is the fact that former Californians have voted with their feet in droves.—
Jim Doti,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Oslo, NorwayReuters — The stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon was found guilty on Monday of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison after a seven-week trial that has further dented the royal family’s once picture-perfect image.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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My primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
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In a month jam-packed with elections, the unique race serves as yet another litmus of Trump's endorsement in the midterms.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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