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
Relevance
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
Maybe instead of rats the cartoon should show sitting ducks.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
To the Mach 4 missiles, capable of taking out jets maneuvering at high speed , a Shahed is a sitting duck.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
This sitting duck would be another victim in the submarine’s reign of terror.
—Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025
The alternative: Residents risk being sitting ducks for future blazes.
Consider Pacific Palisades.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sitting duck
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
To the Mach 4 missiles, capable of taking out jets maneuvering at high speed , a Shahed is a sitting duck.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
This sitting duck would be another victim in the submarine’s reign of terror.
—Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025
The alternative: Residents risk being sitting ducks for future blazes.
Consider Pacific Palisades.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sitting duck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sitting duck
Noun
-
As of July 1, 2025, the new target reductions in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels are 30 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and 90 percent below by 2045.—
Wayne Winegarden,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Elevate Textiles announce the validation of its near-term and net-zero emissions targets by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
The unresolved legal process has gripped observers across the United States, resurfacing debates about the death penalty, victims' rights and the responsibilities of prosecutors in high-profile cases.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
According to a letter sent to victims' family members discussing a new plea agreement, cited by the outlet, however, Kohberger is expected to enter a guilty plea on all charges.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sitting duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sitting%20duck. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share