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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of litmus test
It was viewed as a litmus test of voters' feelings about the opening months of President Donald Trump's second term and Musk's role at the Department of Government Efficiency.
—
Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, some see Gibney’s upcoming documentary about Musk as a major litmus test for how far the gatekeepers will go to support a film that might antagonize Trump.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
The third term question could quickly become a litmus test for the aspiring heirs to the MAGA crown.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
Subject to partisan litmus tests, military leaders might be wary of offering advice that contradicts the administration’s priorities.
—Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, some see Gibney’s upcoming documentary about Musk as a major litmus test for how far the gatekeepers will go to support a film that might antagonize Trump.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
The third term question could quickly become a litmus test for the aspiring heirs to the MAGA crown.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
Subject to partisan litmus tests, military leaders might be wary of offering advice that contradicts the administration’s priorities.
—Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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From wearable devices to education services, these young trailblazers are solving global challenges with innovative products and platforms.—
Brianne Garrett,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Another key challenge is the transition from today’s internet to quantum internet.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Every week is a fresh start with a new gauntlet and a new Snake.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2025
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The trio must tag team to outsmart a cunning international thief and save a priceless diamond gauntlet — just in time for Christmas.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 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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Judge Scott Gordon denied the defense motion and sent the case to trial in Judge Ronald Coen's courtroom.—
Greg Fisher,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2025
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The tech giant went to court on Monday in an antitrust trial focused on its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.—
Bluesky Social,
Bluesky Social,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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