litmus test

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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Examples of litmus test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web David Loy, the First Amendment Coalition’s legal director, said in an interview that both proposals involve the types of litmus tests that the Supreme Court has roundly rejected. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 24 July 2024 The cult franchise has become a hit for scary-movie fans and a litmus test for more squeamish audiences. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024 Deadpool & Wolverine is being used as a litmus test for various things, art, commercialism, consumerism, and the capability to have fun or not. Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 July 2024 But for those favoring action, the strategy of turning climate policy into a litmus test for Democratic politicians has made sustained policy to decarbonize the U.S. economy harder, not easier. Ted Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2017 See all Example Sentences for litmus test 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'litmus test.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litmus%20test. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

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