SITTING DUCK Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

sitting duck

noun

Definition of sitting duck

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

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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

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 attack shocked the nation, and Jordan declared three days of mourning for the victims.

— Omar Akour, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
On Sunday, Jordan’s Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended a funeral held for the victims while Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the injured in the hospital earlier.

— Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of victim

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sitting

sitting duck

sitting ducks

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“Sitting duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sitting%20duck. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sitting duck

noun

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