as in gauntlets
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 tests
Demanding political litmus tests The third tactic may be the most debilitating within the military itself.
—
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Under the new rules, peer review is optional, while ideological litmus tests are standard.
—ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Under the new rules, peer review is optional, while ideological litmus tests are standard.
—ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus tests
Noun
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Is the Hockomock League one of the toughest gauntlets in Massachusetts again?—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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My Seven Mothers is an eye-opening account of the challenges and possibilities connected with liberation and radical social change during the 1970s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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But food hubs also have high startup and operational costs, challenges with maintaining a consistent supply and demand and recruiting skilled leadership and staff, and navigating organizational, regulatory and food safety requirements, Perez said.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus tests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20tests. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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