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
This battle of conference unbeaten programs will be the ultimate litmus test.
—
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The next month will be a litmus test for the team’s postseason viability.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2025
Arsenal represent a significant litmus test for just that, though the early signs are positive.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The victory of a pro-European party in Moldova’s parliamentary elections was a litmus test in the former Soviet nation, where Russian interference and disinformation campaigns have spent millions in a bid to prevent the country from joining the European mainstream.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The next month will be a litmus test for the team’s postseason viability.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2025
Arsenal represent a significant litmus test for just that, though the early signs are positive.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The victory of a pro-European party in Moldova’s parliamentary elections was a litmus test in the former Soviet nation, where Russian interference and disinformation campaigns have spent millions in a bid to prevent the country from joining the European mainstream.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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Global capability centers have evolved far beyond tech support, but their growth presents challenges for multinationals and Indian cities alike.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
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However, many share the White House's concern that the Nigerian leadership is failing to meet the scope of the challenges the country faces.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The divisional gauntlet continues with the Bengals twice and the Steelers once over the next five weeks.—
Hannah Vanbiber,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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The trail through this passage is narrow and lined with signature desert plants — which is to say my path became a gauntlet of tiny, stabbing swords.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The azaleas will be the acid test.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Oct. 2025
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Andrew Harnik | Getty Images Russia's drone incursion into Poland now poses an acid test for NATO and the European Union.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The only person ever executed in Israel was Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, who was hanged in 1962 after he famously was captured by Israeli intelligence agents in Argentina and subsequently convicted in a landmark trial.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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Michelle Pascucci, state trial attorney for the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, said that the USDA could have issued another guidance memo when the Supreme Court's stay took effect.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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