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 President Donald Trump‘s appearance in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday underlines the Mahoning Valley as a bellwether of whether Democrats can win back the white, working-class voters that have rapidly shifted away from the party in recent years. — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 They’re called bellwether races for their unique characteristics that reflect the national political environment. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for bellwether

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellwether

Noun

For at least a week, the Ukrainian leader has said his country has not received early warnings about ballistic missiles aimed at the capital.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
The event has brought together around 200 founders, investors, sovereign wealth representatives and government leaders to discuss developments across AI, robotics and space.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

In a statement sent to The Charlotte Observer, her daughter Hatiya Dunlap said Leeper was a multifaceted broadcasting pioneer whose lasting legacy extends far beyond her on-air work.

— Chase Jordan October 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
Founded in 1986 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Maná is considered a pioneer of rock en español.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of pioneer

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“Bellwether.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellwether. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bellwether

noun

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