sitting duck

noun

Definition of sitting ducknext
as in target
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule those stupid comments just made him a sitting duck for comedians

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sitting duck Other than Adobe, which is expensive but very good, these companies are not sitting ducks. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026 Shipping lanes suffered, neutrality became meaningless, and actual fishing vessels became sitting ducks. — New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025 In other words, a sitting duck. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2025 Club owners are kind of sitting ducks. — Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sitting duck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sitting duck
  1. target
  2. victim
Noun
  • President Emmanuel Macron has been the primary target of scorn following nationwide riots that overtook Paris and other cities, but the insurgent National Rally does not want to let mainstream conservatives off the hook.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Las Vegas’ Michael Mayer (six receptions, 32 yards) was a frequent target.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • The Baton Rouge Police Department identified the victims as 21-year-old Leah Fonte and 21-year-old Shane Hirstius, who were engaged.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has begun notifying victims impacted by a recent data breach of driver’s license and motor vehicle data, but not everyone whose information was stolen will receive an alert.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of victim

Browse Nearby Words

sitting
sitting duck
sitting ducks
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Cite this Entry

“Sitting duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sitting%20duck. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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