as in leaders
one that takes the lead or sets an example
the state has a long history of being an early and reliable bellwether in presidential elections
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Recent Examples of bellwethers
The Producers Guild, which uses a preferential ballot like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does, is among the most predictive of bellwethers.
—
ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
The rise in crude oil prices has fueled a sharp runup in energy stocks, but a few bellwethers are showing signs of upside exhaustion that warrant patience for investors looking to take advantage of their bullish longer-term technical setups.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Four races in particular will serve as bellwethers in the power struggle.
—Bayliss Wagner, Houston Chronicle, 12 Feb. 2026
Offensive expectations were low, but both players have seen their defensive bellwethers head in the wrong direction.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
The Los Angeles trial is among a handful of bellwethers meant to clarify the uncharted legal terrain.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Whether 2025's Democratic Party victories are bellwethers or blips will play out this year.
—Tim Webber, Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Those fights proved to be high-water marks, not bellwethers, and index funds’ retreat from ESG appears to have sapped their fighting spirit in other areas.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Along with Erie County, you guys are the bellwethers among bellwethers.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2025
ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
The rise in crude oil prices has fueled a sharp runup in energy stocks, but a few bellwethers are showing signs of upside exhaustion that warrant patience for investors looking to take advantage of their bullish longer-term technical setups.
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Four races in particular will serve as bellwethers in the power struggle.
—Bayliss Wagner, Houston Chronicle, 12 Feb. 2026
Offensive expectations were low, but both players have seen their defensive bellwethers head in the wrong direction.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
The Los Angeles trial is among a handful of bellwethers meant to clarify the uncharted legal terrain.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Whether 2025's Democratic Party victories are bellwethers or blips will play out this year.
—Tim Webber, Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Those fights proved to be high-water marks, not bellwethers, and index funds’ retreat from ESG appears to have sapped their fighting spirit in other areas.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Along with Erie County, you guys are the bellwethers among bellwethers.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwethers
Noun
-
Gables leaders have raised concerns during city meetings about the potential impact.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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City leaders in Lake Dallas got more than an earful from residents who believe they were failed during a crisis in late March when a house explosion critically injured Jessica Bailey Lopez.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Schilling Elementary School in Newark is packed with young pioneers, willing to get their hands dirty.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Time and time again, pioneers of new platforms have also bought up content and influenced conversations about those platforms.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bellwethers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwethers. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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