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
Better yet, these sneakers pass the Disney litmus test, meaning they’ve been proven to withstand even the most step-heavy plans and activities.
—
Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
The NikeSkims Rift Mesh Sneakers officially passed my ultimate litmus test for comfort.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
That should be the litmus test.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Since the Middle Ages, this festival of uninhibited revelry and role reversals has provided the ultimate litmus test for what is and isn’t considered socially acceptable.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
The NikeSkims Rift Mesh Sneakers officially passed my ultimate litmus test for comfort.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
That should be the litmus test.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Since the Middle Ages, this festival of uninhibited revelry and role reversals has provided the ultimate litmus test for what is and isn’t considered socially acceptable.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
-
That’s been a really big challenge with this boat.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Any changes to the policy will probably draw strong challenges from within the LAPD and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the powerful union that represents the city’s rank-and-file officers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The successful trainer kept grinning through a congratulatory gauntlet following Friday night's Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, hoping that colt Emerging Market can double the celebration for him in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
-
Be Strong Families can help the professors put down the gauntlet and join the conversation.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Rickman's trial for the murder of Gloria Choi began in November 2023 before a jury of nine men and three women.—
Paul LaRosa,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
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Every one of those cases, there's an indictment and then eventually there is a trial or some sort of disposition.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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