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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Though his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, including another 1,400-yard rushing season in 2015, it was also marred by injuries and off-field challenges.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
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Economists warn the incoming administration faces immediate challenges, including securing fuel supplies and building coalitions in a fragmented legislature.—
Reuters 3 min ago,
CNN Money,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus tests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20tests. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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