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
Other candidates running in the Democratic primary have been more vocal about what is increasingly becoming a litmus test for those seeking the city's highest office.
—
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
That only adds to the significance of these two games, which already represent litmus tests for a Nuggets team that has struggled against other top contenders.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2025
Healthcare has long served as the ultimate litmus test for artificial intelligence (AI).
—Amber Nigam, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But some also argue that the tensions in today’s Democratic Party no longer center on the kinds of ideological clashes that characterized the 2020 primary race — left versus moderate and litmus tests on issues like single-payer health care.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
That only adds to the significance of these two games, which already represent litmus tests for a Nuggets team that has struggled against other top contenders.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2025
Healthcare has long served as the ultimate litmus test for artificial intelligence (AI).
—Amber Nigam, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
But some also argue that the tensions in today’s Democratic Party no longer center on the kinds of ideological clashes that characterized the 2020 primary race — left versus moderate and litmus tests on issues like single-payer health care.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 23 Mar. 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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The gauntlet begins with Monday’s road game in Dallas, where the Wild rallied late for a 3-2 overtime win on Dec. 27, in their first trip to the Lone Star State this season.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 Mar. 2025
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Boston may have a better chance at the division title this year now that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is out for the entire season, but Saturday seemed to portend the American League East will still be more gauntlet than cake-walk.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 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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Meta Platforms faces trial over allegations of illegally monopolizing social media by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.—
Jody Godoy,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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