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
Parents worry their children will face litmus tests.
—
Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
This race is considered one of the best litmus tests for the type of Democrat to likely be nominated to statewide office in the future.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 June 2025
If Game 7 of semifinal series against Denver was the litmus test for league MVP award, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
One of those New Wave pioneers, Francois Truffaut, made a movie about making a movie, 1973’s Oscar-winning Day for Night, that remains the litmus test for this sub-genre, a movie that can’t be topped.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
This race is considered one of the best litmus tests for the type of Democrat to likely be nominated to statewide office in the future.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 June 2025
If Game 7 of semifinal series against Denver was the litmus test for league MVP award, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
One of those New Wave pioneers, Francois Truffaut, made a movie about making a movie, 1973’s Oscar-winning Day for Night, that remains the litmus test for this sub-genre, a movie that can’t be topped.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus test
Noun
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That is a challenge in the AI and coming quantum era.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
1 Aug. 2025
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Quieting the quarterback’s mind is the central challenge for any offensive coach.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Now the Red Sox return home after going 2-4 on the road trip coming out of the All-Star break, a gauntlet that saw the club measure themselves against two of baseball’s best teams.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
24 July 2025
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Garber did sympathize with the recent gauntlet that Miami has run, playing four Club World Cup games and five MLS matches in the span of 35 days.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Noun
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This is the real acid test for these insurance companies.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
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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
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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At the Canadian trials, McIntosh qualified for the 800 free race in 8:05.07, missing out on Ledecky's world record by only a few seconds.—
Paras J. Haji,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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But a month later at Canadian trials, McIntosh posted an 8:05.07, the third-fastest 800 in history, to add major intrigue to Saturday’s showdown.—
Zack Pierce,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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