trial balloon

• POS: Noun Phrase
• HYPHEN: tri=al bal=loon

THESAURUS

trial balloon

barometer, bone of contention, catechism, cross-interrogatory, cross-question, debating point, demand, feeler, inquiry, interrogation, interrogative, interrogatory, issue, leader, leading question, moot point, pilot balloon, point at issue, point in question, probe, problem, query, question, question at issue, question mark, quodlibet, random sample, sample, sound, sounder, straw vote, topic, trial, vexed question, weather vane, weathercock

ROGET THESAURUS

trial balloon

Experiment

N experiment, essay, analysis, screen, trial, tentative method, t=atonnement, verification, probation, experimentum crucis, proof, (demonstration), criterion, diagnostic, test, probe, crucial test, acid test, litmus test, crucible, reagent, check, touchstone, pix, assay, ordeal, ring, litmus paper, curcuma paper, turmeric paper, test tube, analytical instruments, empiricism, rule of thumb, feeler, trial balloon, pilot balloon, messenger balloon, pilot engine, scout, straw to show the wind, speculation, random shot, leap in the dark, analyzer, analyst, assayist, adventurer, experimenter, experimentist, experimentalist, scientist, engineer, technician, subject, experimentee, guinea pig, experimental animal, protocol, experimental method, blind experiment, double-blind experiment, controlled experiment, poll, survey, opinion poll, epidemiological survey, retrospective analysis, retrospective survey, prospective survey, prospective analysis, statistical analysis, literature search, library research, tryout, audition, discovery, measurement, evidence, deduction, induction, abduction, experimental, empirical, probative, probatory, probationary, provisional, analytic, docimastic, tentative, unverified, unproven, speculative, untested, on trial, under examination, on probation, under probation, on one's trial, on approval, check it out, give it a try, see how it goes, Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.