Synonyms of puppet

puppet

noun

ˈpə-pət 

1

as in doll

a small figure often of a human being used especially as a child's plaything

gave her a puppet with strings for a gift

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doll
• dolly
• poppet
• action figure
• marionette
• rag doll
• figurine
• handpuppet
• figure

2

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

accused the newspaper editor of being a puppet for the moneyed people of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pawn
• tool
• minion
• victim
• sucker
• instrument
• lay figure
• cat's-paw
• foil
• stooge
• chump
• dupe
• gull
• yes-man
• lapdog

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of puppet

During my visit, the Trolls stage show had children dancing along, while the Puss in Boots puppet show managed to hold the attention of adults just as effectively as the kids. — Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Seeing his grandson suffer, Geppetto (Richard Brake) gifts him a new companion, the titular puppet. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 June 2026

Bird featured John Candy, Chevy Chase and Dave Thomas as well as the marquee puppets. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026