1
as in dolls
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
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2
as in pawns
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puppets
America during the 1960s reeled from the Civil Rights movement, anti-Vietnam War protests and other political and social upheaval — and protest art took different forms, like performance art, even puppets.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Root for the home team, watch a dystopian future expressed through puppets, get back to nature, rock out under a starry backdrop or join in on the fun with an improv group.
—John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026
Jeffrey is making big puppets for these performances — one is 7 feet tall — and experimenting with the form of the event.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
When planning a war to install a puppet regime, a smart president, or even one of average intelligence, would grasp the importance of not killing the puppets beforehand.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
As Stravinsky’s puppets awaken to human emotion, the score weaves seamlessly through corresponding tracks from DAMN.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
There are examples theatrical and ceremonial puppetry including video of a bullfight and circus acrobat routines depicted with puppets.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
In Brasópolis, Brazil, the tradition of honoring people from the city and region is celebrated through large Bonecos de Olinda, larger-than-life puppets made of papier-mache that stand nearly 9 feet tall.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
The plutocrat puppets like Bannon and the felonious Trumps will destroy the courts, justice system and balance of power.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Root for the home team, watch a dystopian future expressed through puppets, get back to nature, rock out under a starry backdrop or join in on the fun with an improv group.
—John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026
Jeffrey is making big puppets for these performances — one is 7 feet tall — and experimenting with the form of the event.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
When planning a war to install a puppet regime, a smart president, or even one of average intelligence, would grasp the importance of not killing the puppets beforehand.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
As Stravinsky’s puppets awaken to human emotion, the score weaves seamlessly through corresponding tracks from DAMN.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
There are examples theatrical and ceremonial puppetry including video of a bullfight and circus acrobat routines depicted with puppets.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
In Brasópolis, Brazil, the tradition of honoring people from the city and region is celebrated through large Bonecos de Olinda, larger-than-life puppets made of papier-mache that stand nearly 9 feet tall.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
The plutocrat puppets like Bannon and the felonious Trumps will destroy the courts, justice system and balance of power.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puppets
Noun
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The merch table was selling posters from the 2024 Barbie concert tour for $20, and the cheapest Barbie dolls being sold for $25 were gone after just a few hours.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
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This mystery dumpling craze parallels that of plushy Labubu dolls, which became a worldwide sensation last year after Lisa, a performer in K-pop group Blackpink, was spotted sporting the toy.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His desire to cross pawns again.—
Ashlee Conour,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
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Our job is to educate those people about how they’re being pushed around like pawns.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The 750-ton building was placed onto 20 dollies and moved onto city property where it was ultimately restored and opened as a museum and events venue.—
Camila Gomez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
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Each band’s gear had been set up on dollies and risers, secured under forty-foot-long tents.—
Alex Abramovich,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The company will use third-party tools for verification.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
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This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puppets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puppets. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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