LIGHTNING RODS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

lightning rods

noun

plural of lightning rod

as in sitting ducks

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning rods

Noun

In Ukraine, tanks—the backbone of 20th-century armies—have become sitting ducks for drones.

— Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
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

Definition of sitting ducks

Noun

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces overnight struck targets in Ukraine's southern Odesa region on the Black Sea coast with drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
The interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets through direct impact.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of targets

Noun

The entry is paired with a suite of portraits of a number of Black men and women wearing MooreWraps, versatile multi-wear garments created by Moore’s sister with proceeds donated to victims of domestic violence and incarceration.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Authorities have not publicly identified the shooter or the victims, but Lorah said the gunman was related to seven of the eight people killed.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of victims

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.

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“Lightning rods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rods. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightning rods

noun

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