as in sitting duck
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Recent Examples of lightning rod
Both the Diddy and Epstein sagas have captivated public attention and become lightning rods for disinformation and conspiracy theories.
—
Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
But the state’s chronically high electric rates combined with the disappearance of trust between regulators and utilities has transformed PURA from political backwater to lightning rod and Republican criticism of Lamont’s decision was immediate.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Before June 8, the skilled and respected ABC News television journalist Terry Moran was neither a household name nor political lightning rod.
—Steven Levy, Wired News, 27 June 2025
Its longtime president, Randi Weingarten, is a political lightning rod.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
But the state’s chronically high electric rates combined with the disappearance of trust between regulators and utilities has transformed PURA from political backwater to lightning rod and Republican criticism of Lamont’s decision was immediate.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Before June 8, the skilled and respected ABC News television journalist Terry Moran was neither a household name nor political lightning rod.
—Steven Levy, Wired News, 27 June 2025
Its longtime president, Randi Weingarten, is a political lightning rod.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning rod
Noun
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Humans are sitting ducks for this application of an intimate, emotional chat bot that provides constant validation without the friction of having to deal with another person’s needs.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
22 June 2025
-
Drones like the Shahed which fly in a straight line with no attempt to evade ought to be sitting ducks.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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On Tuesday Bayern Munich takes on Benfica and Boca Juniors faces whipping boys Auckland City.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Once more, Turkey seems to have become a whipping boy for all manner of interests, some of which have little to do with the realities of Turkey itself.—
Hugh Pope,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Oct. 2010
Noun
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Pitchers such as Sandy Alcántara, Edward Cabrera, Mitch Keller, Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly come to mind as the new targets for the Cubs.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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But fear not — The Athletic has looked at those who may yet be viable targets for your team before the window shuts on September 1.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Democratic members of Congress have objected to the wave of settler violence, arguing that U.S. citizens are falling victim.—
Noah Robertson The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
26 July 2025
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Butler is a victim of a sinister moral panic, one in which small and jealous spirits tore down the highest targets their stubby little souls could reach.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Kena Betancur | Getty Images The Garden State has always been the butt of jokes.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
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Don't be mistaken, though: The list of cosmetic enhancements isn't exclusive to injections, as the show also explores stars who've undergone a variety of invasive and non-invasive procedures, such as Brazilian butt lifts, breast implants and facial threading.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Several tyrannosaur species often lived side by side, each focused on different prey.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 July 2025
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The Yautja hunter Dek is an outcast from his tribe who hunts a seemingly unkillable prey, aided by the android Thia.—
Michileen Martin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rod. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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