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 But that hasn’t been enough to pull bitcoin, an industry bellwether, out of its slump. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 In 2018, Green Book won TIFF’s highest prize, the People’s Choice Award, which has a history of being an Oscar bellwether. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Congressional District has been a presidential election bellwether since 2000. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 Yet, future relations with Canada will be the bellwether for whether America can recover the critical alliances this administration has heedlessly ripped apart. — Trudy Rubin, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

Tuesday night’s episode of NBC’s The Voice saw team leaders Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green complete their rosters as the Blind Auditions came to an end.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government and school leaders must listen to students' concerns and find solutions.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

In 1966, healthcare advocacy pioneer Ruth Ravich founded the Department of Patient Representation at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York – widely considered the beginning of the patient advocate role.

— Jennifer Schlinger, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
For the milestone edition, streetwear pioneer Hiroshi Fujiwara and his Fragment Design label served as artistic directors alongside rapper Playboi Carti, shaping the festival’s products, programming and experiences.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pioneer

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellwether

noun

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