litmus

noun

Definition of litmusnext
as in litmus test

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of litmus But if President Xi does make a move, whether by mounting a full-scale attack or using his military to blockade the island, the key question will be where such actions fall on the litmus scale. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2025 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 Alpert maintains that his litmus for music has remained the same throughout the decades. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for litmus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litmus
  1. litmus test
  2. crucible
  3. cross
  4. acid test
  5. ordeal
Noun
  • But critics consider this case and its result a litmus test of Hong Kong's civil rights and judicial independence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • After coming out flat in a litmus test in Indiana, the Liberty nearly blew a 28-point fourth-quarter lead in a bounce-back game against the retooling Los Angeles Sparks at Barclays Center.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of litmus test
Noun
  • Oleksa watches them from the other end of the camera feed, in the middle of a gnarly interrogation with Kyle and Cruz — the latter silently watching Oleksa go through a cruel facsimile of her own violent recruitment crucible in the first season.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026
  • On the other hand, Burke was thrown directly into the cultural crucible.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of crucible
Noun
  • Some of the demographic differences could reflect several cross currents in the economy.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Five-layer composite structure The entire laminate relies on a five-layer composite structure that measures under a single millimeter in cross-section.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of cross
Noun
  • Self-translation is the acid test for one’s writing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
  • But the way Arsenal are performing, a very tight victory seems the most likely outcome before the acid test away to Manchester City next weekend.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of acid test
Noun
  • Philipps has come out of the six-month ordeal feeling nothing but gratitude.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Within a week, Cano was in Wilson’s office, describing her ordeal.
    — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of ordeal

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Cite this Entry

“Litmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on litmus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about litmus

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