Definition of cat's-pawnext
as in pawn
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another these changes to the zoning laws have only confirmed for many that the town council has become the cat's-paw of local real estate developers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cat's-paw
Noun
  • Don’t be a pawn for another photo op for this dysfunctional White House.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The Wolf King series will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in the sweeping romantasy.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • This is a smart time to update a rate, ask for better tools, or stop absorbing costs that are not yours.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Cat's-paw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cat%27s-paw. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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