Synonyms for

Duck

Verb / dʌk / Another word for duck — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a common waterbird with a broad, flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet

Synonyms & similar words

elude circumvent parry skirt ducksegg hedge evade putoff fudge douse dodge dip sidestep waterbird fowl drake hen goose swan mallard pintail teal widgeon quack dive submerge evade dodge sidestep flinch avoid escape

Synonyms by register

Formal

evade avoid shirk circumvent

Informal

dodge skip bail scram

Literary

recoil flinch swerve

Antonyms

stand face confront brave meet challenge

Common collocations

  • duck down
  • duck out
  • duck and cover
  • duck the question
  • duck a punch
  • duck a blow
  • duck a responsibility

Word family

noun duck
verb duck

Usage note

As a verb, 'duck' often implies a quick, evasive movement to avoid something. It can also mean to avoid a responsibility or obligation.

Example sentences

  1. I fed the ducks at the park.
  2. The duck quacked loudly.
  3. The ducklings followed their mother closely.
  4. The hunter aimed his rifle at the duck.
  5. The chef prepared a delicious roast duck.

Quotes

  • Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.
  • If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
  • A duck's opinion of eagle is influenced by where they meet.

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