as in sitting duck
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Recent Examples of lightning rod
The nation's limited stockpiles of expensive weapon systems, including advanced missile interceptors, have become a lightning rod during the Iran war.
—
CBS News, 14 May 2026
The project, now nearly three years into development, has become a lightning rod for the Charlotte region’s debate over technology growth, economic incentives and environmental sustainability.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
In each of those years, at least two Cannes competition films were nominated for best picture—including the lightning rod that was Emilia Perez at the 77th Cannes Festival in 2024.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
The incident took place soon after the onset of the Israel-Hamas war and became a lightning rod as tensions between supporters of Israel and Palestinians soared across the nation.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
CBS News, 14 May 2026
The project, now nearly three years into development, has become a lightning rod for the Charlotte region’s debate over technology growth, economic incentives and environmental sustainability.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
In each of those years, at least two Cannes competition films were nominated for best picture—including the lightning rod that was Emilia Perez at the 77th Cannes Festival in 2024.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
The incident took place soon after the onset of the Israel-Hamas war and became a lightning rod as tensions between supporters of Israel and Palestinians soared across the nation.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning rod
Noun
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Everyone else would be a sitting duck, or at the very least extremely annoyed.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 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.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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For one, the salary cap is a moving target.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
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The bodies of two people were found earlier this week, before crews recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28, Longview fire chief Brad Hannig said in a press conference later that day.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Puerto Rican brand Ron del Barrilito primarily uses sherry butts to mature its rum; the Three Stars expression spends six to 10 years aging in oloroso sherry casks specifically.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
29 May 2026
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People who like a show with a high concept voicey narrator that’s not afraid to crawl up its own butt will have no issue with it.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Birds can change the shape of their wings almost instantaneously, spreading out to create drag and lift and perform sudden turns or hover above prey like a kestrel, or folding up so the peregrine falcon can stoop on prey at 240 mph.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
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As their prey became larger, these animals upped the ante by making their primary weapon bigger and more powerful, draining resources away from arms and claws.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rod. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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