as in sitting duck
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lightning rod
The boat strikes have become a political lightning rod for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after survivors of a strike in September were killed in what many Democrats have called a war crime.
—
Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025
This groundbreaking film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival and became a lightning rod in the culture wars, with conservative politicians attempting to defund the NEA over its support.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025
Few would argue that Sanders has been a lightning rod since he was drafted.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
With private plunge pools, butler service and panoramic views commanding more than $5,000 a night, the 20-hectare lodge has become a luxury lightning rod for controversy.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025
This groundbreaking film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival and became a lightning rod in the culture wars, with conservative politicians attempting to defund the NEA over its support.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025
Few would argue that Sanders has been a lightning rod since he was drafted.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
With private plunge pools, butler service and panoramic views commanding more than $5,000 a night, the 20-hectare lodge has become a luxury lightning rod for controversy.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightning rod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning rod
Noun
-
Shipping lanes suffered, neutrality became meaningless, and actual fishing vessels became sitting ducks.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Dec. 2025
-
In other words, a sitting duck.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Gordie is invisible to his mother and a whipping boy to his father.—
Sezin Devi Koehler September 1,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Omar has been the target of many GOP attacks in recent years.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
When Israel launched the surprise war against Iran last summer, the depth of its infiltration became evident when it was revealed that Israeli intelligence agents smuggled weapons into the country and used them to strike high-value targets from within Iranian territory.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Police said evidence suggested Salat was aware of the victim’s age and attempted to meet with the child in person.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But the jury in the federal civil lawsuit found that Moore violated Gillispie's rights by hiding evidence that would have helped Gillispie's defense and creating unfair lineup procedures for the victims.—
Laura A. Bischoff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And true to the brand’s fit, the backside pockets are cleverly placed to add a butt-lifting effect.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
If that means being the frequent butt of jokes for his age, that's fine, too.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
British explorer Colonel Percy Fawcett, who wandered the Amazon for 22 years at the beginning of the 20th century before vanishing without a trace, wrote that the breath of the anaconda stupefied its prey.—
Stanley Stewart,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Bring in your bird feeders overnight to avoid attracting coyote prey.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lightning rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rod. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share