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

Recruits, which are what attendees are called, are brought through different sets from the show and are given missions, such as shooting an airsoft gun at targets and searching a sheriff’s office for clues.

— Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026
Record-breaking viewership and attendance have led to historic revenue targets.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of targets

Noun

The hearing in Barrow County court is expected to begin with victims’ families and survivors, many of whom spoke powerfully at Colt’s sentencing.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Rawson has become a bestselling author and advocate for victims of violent crime since her father's 2005 arrest, writing and speaking publicly about growing up as the daughter of one of America's most notorious serial killers.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of victims

Noun

Though most attacks are warnings, some bears may attack humans as prey, according to the National Park Service.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026
Faced with more predators, prey and competition, their nervous systems rapidly ballooned to meet the new demands.

— Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Definition of prey

Noun

Sacramento County is taking on some of the world’s largest tobacco companies — not over smoking, but over the billions of cigarette butts discarded every year and who should pay to clean them up.

— Reeti Malhotra July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Cigarette butts littered the ground; a motorcycle stuttered past, too loud.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of butts

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“Lightning rods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning%20rods. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lightning rods

noun

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