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.
Related Words
Relevance
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
Arsenal represent a significant litmus test for just that, though the early signs are positive.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The victory of a pro-European party in Moldova’s parliamentary elections was a litmus test in the former Soviet nation, where Russian interference and disinformation campaigns have spent millions in a bid to prevent the country from joining the European mainstream.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
On gun control—long a litmus test for Democrats—Republicans are now ahead by four points.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Argentina’s stock market and the peso plummeted after President Javier Milei’s party lost a key regional election this month, a vote seen as a litmus test ahead of October’s crucial legislative elections, which could determine the future of his presidency.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The victory of a pro-European party in Moldova’s parliamentary elections was a litmus test in the former Soviet nation, where Russian interference and disinformation campaigns have spent millions in a bid to prevent the country from joining the European mainstream.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
On gun control—long a litmus test for Democrats—Republicans are now ahead by four points.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Argentina’s stock market and the peso plummeted after President Javier Milei’s party lost a key regional election this month, a vote seen as a litmus test ahead of October’s crucial legislative elections, which could determine the future of his presidency.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
-
Global capability centers have evolved far beyond tech support, but their growth presents challenges for multinationals and Indian cities alike.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
-
However, many share the White House's concern that the Nigerian leadership is failing to meet the scope of the challenges the country faces.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
With one of the deepest line-ups in the country and the SEC slate looming as a gauntlet, Kentucky’s ceiling is sky-high.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
That was before Major League Baseball expanded its postseason field two different times and turned the annual tournament into a gauntlet.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The azaleas will be the acid test.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Oct. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
The former star running back’s post-NFL career was marred by a controversial acquittal in the famous murder trial that followed.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Two years later, after more legal wrangling, the Connecticut Supreme Court voted narrowly to overturn his conviction, ruling that Skakel's right to a fair trial was compromised by ineffective legal representation.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Her litmus to make sure these moments were successful?—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share