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
An outstanding litmus test between a school coming off a Div.
—
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Drawing inspiration from Norse and other mythologies, the trees of Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings series are sacred beings, whose treatment stands as a moral litmus test.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
This week's meeting is the first major gathering of Martin's tenure -- and an early litmus test of his popularity and trust in his leadership, as his first few months have been mired in growing pains.
—Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2025
The $4 trillion chipmaker’s quarterly financials have become a litmus test for the AI boom—and, by extension, for the whole stock market.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Drawing inspiration from Norse and other mythologies, the trees of Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings series are sacred beings, whose treatment stands as a moral litmus test.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
This week's meeting is the first major gathering of Martin's tenure -- and an early litmus test of his popularity and trust in his leadership, as his first few months have been mired in growing pains.
—Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2025
The $4 trillion chipmaker’s quarterly financials have become a litmus test for the AI boom—and, by extension, for the whole stock market.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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This online presence includes social media platforms used for propaganda, communication and recruitment, creating a challenge for governments and platforms alike to manage the spread of extremist content in hopes of preventing potential violence.—
Richard Frankel,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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Having spent years working tirelessly in pursuit of greatness for himself, transitioning into a leadership mindset proved to be a challenge.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The YouTube sensation puts celebrities through a taste-testing gauntlet with progressively hotter wings.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Before this 12-game gauntlet began, Chisholm said the Yankees met away from the ballpark to discuss their play.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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While Google’s wildly popular TV analogue has hosted the out-of-market Sunday Ticket package since 2023, Friday’s AFC West clash will be an acid test.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 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
Noun
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Iran has executed a man accused of spying for Israel, Iranian state media reported, after the rights group Amnesty International said the man, Babak Shahbazi, had been sentenced to death in an unfair trial marred by allegations of torture.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Scott’s new attorney, Scott Sanders, believes his 69-year-old client would have been acquitted altogether if the evidence had been disclosed as required at the time of trial.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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