trial balloon

NOUN

test

Synonyms

WEAK

ballon d'essai barometer feeler fishing question pilot balloon test of public reaction toe in the water

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That trial balloon seems to have been shot down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

We haven't heard anything further much about that since it was first floated — maybe it was a trial balloon that fizzled.

From Salon • May 12, 2025

One thing is certain: Gaetz will serve as a trial balloon, even if his nomination is deadly serious.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2024

She might be bringing up this topic as a sort of a trial balloon — testing the waters to see if you will react.

From Washington Post • Dec. 4, 2022

"I think we're being used as a trial balloon," Purdy said thoughtfully.

From The Flying Saucers are Real by Keyhoe, Donald E. (Donald Edward)