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
Keeping Khan and Kanter will be one of these litmus tests for progressives.
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Owen Tedford, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Bipartisan litmus test Since its launch in 2010, the GLRI has funded over 7,500 projects to clean up polluted waterways, restore habitats, control invasive species, reduce polluted runoff, improve recreational access and educate the public.
—Mike Shriberg, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024
For an emerging generation of consumers, sustainability is a litmus test for purchasing decisions.
—David Craig, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
The second-half schedule isn’t very forgiving A trip to Philadelphia is the ultimate litmus test, and the Guardians will experience it right before the July 30 trade deadline.
—Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for litmus test 
Owen Tedford, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Bipartisan litmus test Since its launch in 2010, the GLRI has funded over 7,500 projects to clean up polluted waterways, restore habitats, control invasive species, reduce polluted runoff, improve recreational access and educate the public.
—Mike Shriberg, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024
For an emerging generation of consumers, sustainability is a litmus test for purchasing decisions.
—David Craig, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
The second-half schedule isn’t very forgiving A trip to Philadelphia is the ultimate litmus test, and the Guardians will experience it right before the July 30 trade deadline.
—Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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All Fresh Seafood was one of the first direct to consumer suppliers who took on the challenge of introducing fresh seafood to all Americans.Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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In addition to the pilot, the city has created a new municipal Department of Sustainable Delivery in direct response to the rise in e-micromobility and its safety challenges, while supporting their expansion.Jennifer Jacobs Dungs, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Presented as a two-hour listening gauntlet with no breaks between tracks—or as a sketchy download link on a GeoCities website that channeled Heaven’s Gate—Diamond Jubilee seemed to float in from another place and time.Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024
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Yes, but: Their next five games are somewhat of a gauntlet.Ross Terrell, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Even though the Dead were more known for acid tests than their athletic prowess, Parish recalls that the Dead and their crew occasionally played baseball in the band’s early days.Alex Scordelis, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2024
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The acid test is the twofold stake Washington has long articulated: that Afghanistan does not become a base for terrorism against the West, or a haven for destabilizing its neighbors.Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2011
Noun
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One of the best was the part about enjoying the season and not making playoff success your litmus for hockey fandom happiness.Murat Ates, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
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Alpert maintains that his litmus for music has remained the same throughout the decades.Gary Graff, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
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The New York Times: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stand in his corruption trial on Tuesday.Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
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Meta Fails Attempt to Dodge a Worker Exploitation Lawsuit in Kenya If the lawsuits against Meta proceed to trial and the courts decide in the plaintiffs' favor, Ruto could face a political headache.Billy Perrigo, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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