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
Hating vaccines became a MAGA litmus test.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
Paraclete and Saint Joseph’s first matchup is Thursday, and that game will be an early litmus test for both squads.
—Matt Wagner, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
The Super Bowl champ Seattle Seahawks are the 49ers’ litmus test.
—Chris Biderman
march 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Unions have made autonomous trucks a litmus test for Democratic contenders in the wide-open California governor’s race.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
Paraclete and Saint Joseph’s first matchup is Thursday, and that game will be an early litmus test for both squads.
—Matt Wagner, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
The Super Bowl champ Seattle Seahawks are the 49ers’ litmus test.
—Chris Biderman
march 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Unions have made autonomous trucks a litmus test for Democratic contenders in the wide-open California governor’s race.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
-
Having legal documents on hand, at a lawyer’s office or in a file cabinet not only provides peace of mind, but can prevent conflict and legal fees when tragedy or challenges arise.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Making education accessible for teenage mothers is a challenge in Kenya and a mounting task for a country with a fast-growing young population.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The beginning of the 2026 season has so far been a gauntlet for both teams in terms of the level of competition, but even more so with the schedule congestion, having played three games each in eight days.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
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The foundation of that legacy was forged in the late ’90s with 400 Degreez, an album that doubled as both a gauntlet thrown at the industry and a rallying cry that helped cement Cash Money Records as a dominant force.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The acid test of whether California is getting bang for its taxpayers’ buck is the fact that former Californians have voted with their feet in droves.—
Jim Doti,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
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This was a place and time in history of tremendous creativity that grew out of the acid test parties, the beatnik poets, and the Summer Of Love.—
Brian Halligan,
Fortune,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In the usual course of things, a promising drug candidate would be ushered into human trials.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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As it’s applied today, the law allows trial attorneys to prey on the state’s small and mid-sized businesses — filing frivolous, costly lawsuits over even the most minor violation of California’s complex labor code.—
Tom Manzo,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But if President Xi does make a move, whether by mounting a full-scale attack or using his military to blockade the island, the key question will be where such actions fall on the litmus scale.—
Ned Temko,
Christian Science Monitor,
12 Sep. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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