as in targets
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule
those stupid comments just made him a sitting duck for comedians
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Recent Examples of sitting ducks
Russian forces trapped in Ukraine would have been sitting ducks for NATO missiles and aircraft.
—
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Without the government’s ability to share robust intelligence about new attack methods, SMBs become sitting ducks for cybercriminals who specifically target organizations that can’t afford to lose days or weeks.
—Cynthia Kaiser, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2025
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Without the government’s ability to share robust intelligence about new attack methods, SMBs become sitting ducks for cybercriminals who specifically target organizations that can’t afford to lose days or weeks.
—Cynthia Kaiser, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sitting ducks
Noun
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This includes pro scouting and identifying targets in free agency and trades.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
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Brown logged nine catches and 131 yards in that 2023 contest while seeing a game-high 14 targets.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors said two forensic pathologists examined the remains separately, both concluding the victims died from gunshots to the head.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
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Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields platforms from liability for what users post, leaving victims and their families with limited legal footing against them.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sitting ducks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sitting%20ducks. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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