BELLWETHER Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

bellwether

noun

ˈbel-ˈwe-t͟hər

Definition of bellwether

as in leader

one that takes the lead or sets an example the state has a long history of being an early and reliable bellwether in presidential elections

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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 bellwether Some states have banned this kind of pricing in specific circumstances, others are considering bans, but the outcome of the McDonald’s lawsuit could be a bellwether for how effective those bans will actually be in protecting consumers. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Kansas is likely to be a bellwether track for the balance of the Chase. — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 As such, Galleri is seen as a kind of bellwether for the whole industry — and for the potential use of a blood test to screen for cancers in general. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026 Researchers determine an El Niño year by analyzing ocean temperatures in a specific part of the equatorial Pacific that serves as a bellwether for extreme weather conditions to come. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

Kabila's new Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN, includes rebel groups formerly united under the Congo River Alliance, whose former leader Corneille Nangaa will serve as one of the new coalition's two vice presidents.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
When even the CEOs of the companies leading the AI race warn of the risk of potentially losing control of their own technology, the need for leaders who approach its adoption with caution, accountability, and sound judgement has never been so clear.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

The book covers an enormous chunk of British screen history (1896 to 2001), with each chapter uncovering and illuminating the careers of early Black screen pioneers.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Jeddah’s Athr Gallery is debuting with Mosly and a second pioneer of Saudi modernism, Abdulrahman Alsulaiman.

— Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of pioneer

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellwether

noun

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