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 Modrić was a bellwether of the 2018 World Cup finalist, and a central piece on the 2022 third-place team. — Christopher Hamill, New York Times, 15 June 2026 One bellwether for independent-minded progressives, South Side Ald. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Even as the convention’s membership shrinks, the annual meeting serves as a bellwether for religious and political trends among evangelicals. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 Pharma leadership is being reinforced by IHE's push to new highs and a fresh weekly MACD crossover, and JNJ is showing the types of intermediate-term signals that can precede rotation into other large-cap bellwethers. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

In the weeks since Fable 5 and Mythos 5 were forced out of commission, industry leaders and experts became increasingly worried that the ad-hoc ban would threaten America’s AI lead against China.

— Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026
According to Smith, citizens of East Florida even burned the leaders behind the Declaration of Independence in effigy.

— Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

As a kid, Grant was an Eagle scout, and essentially built a historical trail after discovering pioneer grave sites.

— Sam McDowell July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
The pioneer of the world’s largest Bitcoin asset treasury attended the president’s first crypto summit at the White House in March 2025.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 1 July 2026

Definition of pioneer

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellwether

noun

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