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 Democratic primary could become a litmus test for the future of the party in a key swing state and Senate contest.
—
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025
However, even one Democratic win will be seen as a litmus test for the Trump administration's popularity after a host of executive actions and other policy efforts that have divided Americans and threaten to bite into the GOP's post-November popularity.
—Tom Norton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
The denial Saturday by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the latest twist in Musk's deep involvement in the race, which has set a record for spending in a judicial election and has become a litmus test for the opening months of Donald Trump's presidency.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025
Jeff Bezos mandated this—not as a writing drill, but as a litmus test.
—Daniel Lotzof, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025
However, even one Democratic win will be seen as a litmus test for the Trump administration's popularity after a host of executive actions and other policy efforts that have divided Americans and threaten to bite into the GOP's post-November popularity.
—Tom Norton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
The denial Saturday by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the latest twist in Musk's deep involvement in the race, which has set a record for spending in a judicial election and has become a litmus test for the opening months of Donald Trump's presidency.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025
Jeff Bezos mandated this—not as a writing drill, but as a litmus test.
—Daniel Lotzof, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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The bail hearing in her challenge to her confinement came after a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration had until May 14 to comply with a district court's order to transfer Ozturk to immigration custody in Vermont.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
10 May 2025
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Apart from exploring the individual challenges and achievement of the students, the book also talks about the rich history of nursing in Cleveland.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
Noun
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There’s an almost punk sensibility behind showing the gauntlet that Imogen Poots, playing Yuknavitch from her late teens to her thirties, is forced to run.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2025
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Opening the year at home against the Titans is nice, but Denver then hits a gauntlet: on the road against the Colts, on the road against the Chargers, at home against the Bengals, and then on the road at Philadelphia.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
14 May 2025
Noun
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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
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That was the acid test that our music was acceptable.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
22 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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The trials in the months ahead Karen Read, who prosecutors say drunkenly hit her boyfriend with her car in Canton, Massachusetts, in January 2022, started off the season of trials on April 1.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
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What do these names have to do with the Diddy trial?—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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