as in sitting duck
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Recent Examples of lightning rod
The annual Met Gala, which takes place this year on Monday, May 4, is always a lightning rod for controversy.
—
Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The man accused of fatally shooting Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman has pleaded not guilty to all charges, weeks after the killing became a lightning rod in the polarizing discourse over immigration policy.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The Russian Pavilion has become a lightning rod for political controversy in the weeks leading up to the opening of the Biennale, with voices across Europe’s arts and culture sectors urging its exclusion as the country’s war against Ukraine continues.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Breakthroughs like the steam engine, the lightning rod and the hot air balloon carried immense promise and undeniable uncertainty.
—Gyimah Whitaker, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
The man accused of fatally shooting Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman has pleaded not guilty to all charges, weeks after the killing became a lightning rod in the polarizing discourse over immigration policy.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The Russian Pavilion has become a lightning rod for political controversy in the weeks leading up to the opening of the Biennale, with voices across Europe’s arts and culture sectors urging its exclusion as the country’s war against Ukraine continues.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Breakthroughs like the steam engine, the lightning rod and the hot air balloon carried immense promise and undeniable uncertainty.
—Gyimah Whitaker, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 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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Impressed by the results, Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a buy rating on Diamondback Energy stock with a price target of $224.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
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Neither was being outshot 31 to 5 (14 to 1, on target).—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The check was requested by a relative after friends and family had not heard from the victims, officials said.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
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During the sentencing hearing, statements from the victims’ parents were read aloud before the court.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Spirit was long the butt of jokes for its bare-bones operations, but the flying faithful were mourning the loss.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Stassie Karanikolaou’s decision to reverse her Brazilian butt lift is fueling new questions about whether the era of exaggerated curves is coming to an end.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
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His robust jaw muscles gave him an advantage at snapping at large prey.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
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Having both metals arranged in this way turns the stinger into a biological spear capable of punching through tough hides or exoskeletons of prey.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rod. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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