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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Duck” — 6 Other Ways to Say It

A swimming bird that lives near water and has waterproof feathers.

IPA: /dʌk/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meanings of Duck — Pick the Sense You Need

Duck has 2 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a noun

    A swimming bird that lives near water and has waterproof feathers.

  2. Meaning #2 as a verb

    To move your head or body down quickly to avoid something.

How to Pronounce Duck

IPA: /dʌk/ Stress: O

The vowel sound is the same as in 'fun' and 'cup'.

Full pronunciation guide for duck →

3 Synonyms for Duck (Meaning #1 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use duck as a noun. Meaning: A swimming bird that lives near water and has waterproof feathers.

bird

/bɜːrd/
noun A1

A living creature with feathers, wings, and a beak that can fly.

Example: I saw a beautiful blue bird in the garden this morning.

3 Synonyms for Duck (Meaning #2 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use duck as a verb. Meaning: To move your head or body down quickly to avoid something.

Smart Synonyms for Duck — When to Use Each

waterfowl

broader term for birds that live near water

mallard

when referring to the most common duck species

How to Use Duck and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The ducks swim in the pond near our house. A1
  • A mother duck teaches her ducklings to find food. A2
  • Ducks migrate to warmer regions during winter. B1
  • She ducked under the low door. A2
  • He ducked to avoid the flying ball. A2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Duck

What is another word for "duck"?

Common synonyms for "duck" include: waterfowl, mallard, bird, bend, crouch.

What can I say instead of "duck"?

Try one of these alternatives: waterfowl, mallard, bird, bend, crouch. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "duck" formal or informal?

"duck" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "duck" instead of "waterfowl"?

Use "duck" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "waterfowl" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

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