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
The Club World Cup will be new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso’s first litmus test
Ahead of a fresh La Liga campaign and attempt to dethrone FC Barcelona, new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso can test the waters at the Club World Cup.
—
Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Patriotism became a litmus test, and scholars who applied their expertise to offer critical analyses of America’s revered narratives were suspected of harboring a dangerous un-American ideology.
—Time, 20 May 2025
Related article German spy agency labels far-right AfD ‘extremist’
More than 10 million Romanians cast their vote in Sunday’s election, which was widely seen as a choice between East and West and a litmus test for the rise of Trump-style nationalism in Europe.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
The Dodgers and Diamondbacks meeting is not a litmus test.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Patriotism became a litmus test, and scholars who applied their expertise to offer critical analyses of America’s revered narratives were suspected of harboring a dangerous un-American ideology.
—Time, 20 May 2025
Related article German spy agency labels far-right AfD ‘extremist’
More than 10 million Romanians cast their vote in Sunday’s election, which was widely seen as a choice between East and West and a litmus test for the rise of Trump-style nationalism in Europe.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
The Dodgers and Diamondbacks meeting is not a litmus test.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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And, once enrolled, trying to get out of the lowest-cost premium Medicare Advantage plan may present a challenge, too.—
Diane Omdahl,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Chesky admits that remaining composed while covering these tragedies has been a challenge for him, especially as the father of a 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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After the gauntlet of an audition for the first film, Meg and Milo have become household names for their young fans.—
Scott King,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Canada qualified for the 2022 World Cup — the nation’s first appearance in the tournament since 1986 — by winning Concacaf’s qualifying gauntlet via a goal difference tiebreaker, notching meaningful wins over Mexico and the United States on home soil.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Noun
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This is the real acid test for these insurance companies.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
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Liverpool passed acid tests in Milan and Manchester, and are perfect from six Champions League games, only conceding once.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
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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And once the trial ended, where would all these people go?—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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Raleigh testified Tuesday, July 8, in the trial of 47-year-old Troy Morrow, who is charged with menacing − a low-level misdemeanor.—
Kevin Grasha,
The Enquirer,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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