as in sitting duck
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Recent Examples of lightning rod
The pushback is largely coming from Democrats and illustrates the challenges Musk’s collection of companies are receiving as the famously impulsive and truculent multi-billionaire has turned himself into a political lightning rod.
—
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
This is despite the European version becoming a lightning rod for political tensions, with several countries planning to boycott the 70th edition in May over Israel’s inclusion.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Among the schools that will be anxiously waiting tonight’s bracket reveal is Miami (Ohio), whose résumé became a lightning rod for debate.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
This is despite the European version becoming a lightning rod for political tensions, with several countries planning to boycott the 70th edition in May over Israel’s inclusion.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Among the schools that will be anxiously waiting tonight’s bracket reveal is Miami (Ohio), whose résumé became a lightning rod for debate.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning rod
Noun
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As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The middle class or big corporations don’t want to become the mayor’s whipping boy.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
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There will always be whipping boys at the World Cup, a team who arrive underprepared or in chaos of some description.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
13 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Ultimately, the scammers appear to use their initial contractor targets as unsuspecting mules for the malware payload.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, cited Israel's continued attacks on targets inside Lebanon as a primary source of tension as his country and the United States engaged in peace talks in Islamabad.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the victims, a 36-year-old man, suffered multiple gunshots to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
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The three other victims were taken to the hospital by private vehicle and later released, according to authorities.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nearly all andouille available in America these days is Cajun-style andouille, which is made with pork butt (technically, the shoulder portion of the pig), pork fat, garlic, salt, and spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and/or filé powder.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
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The whisky was initially aged in Oloroso sherry butts from Spain, and after four decades it was transferred into three Spanish oak Pedro Ximénez hogsheads which were ultimately married together.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Pets resemble natural prey to alligators.—
Mark Price
April 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
-
At other times, as was the case in the display photographed, there is no prey animal in sight, and the dance seems simply to be an expression of exuberance.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rod. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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