FIGUREHEAD Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

figurehead

noun

Definition of figurehead

as in puppet

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

colossus

as in leader

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of figurehead Shanahan has even empowered Lynch — who was hired by Shanahan to be a political figurehead a decade ago — to be the true GM of the team over the years. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 The president is the head of state and primarily a figurehead but also has a constitutional role during a political crisis. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Keegan was not interested in being a figurehead or a legend in the executive boxes, shaking hands and reminiscing about the old days. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Disney Channel alum, and perhaps the best figurehead for the layered look, Ashley Tisdale is the go-to internet meme for when millennials want to reminisce about the Y2K fashion choices. — Emma Childs, Glamour, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

Reck and Annie Ulrich craft larger-than-life puppets to portray figures from Mexican folklore such as La Lechuza, a witch who takes the form of an owl.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Snow geese are large, ungainly animals, while this puppet one is sleek and white.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

Instead of calling for calm and letting the justice system work, too many political leaders on the left and progressive social influencers either fanned the flames of unrest or failed to act until enormous damage was done.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
The leader of the FLDS is Warren Jeffs, who in 2011 was sentenced to life in prison in a case that received significant media attention.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

While the era’s bust eventually brought most of those ventures to an end, Brown said the experience taught him not to let the fear of failure—or looking foolish—get in the way.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
There’s been a boom-or-bust nature to TCU’s success getting after the quarterback with it often feeling like either the quarterback will be brought down for a sack or having plenty of time to throw.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of bust

Noun

From there, Willcox pushed the team toward a flatter structure than the traditional sailing hierarchy, in which a star helmsman and a handful of senior crew dominate decision-making.

— Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Director of the Italian cruise company’s crisis unit Roberto Ferrarini, cabin service director Manrico Giampedroni, first officer Ciro Ambrosio, helmsman Bin and third officer Silvia Coronica were all charged with manslaughter and negligence.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Definition of helmsman

Noun

The collections explore themes such as immigration and feminism while showcasing the many forms puppetry can take, from marionettes and hand puppets to shadow theater.

— Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026
This is a variety show with marionettes that sing, dance, dazzle and delight people of all ages.

— Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of marionette

Noun

The court had unsealed an arrest warrant for Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, who served as national police chief under Duterte.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Authored by Wall Street Journal reporter Robbie Whelan, THR hears that among the topics set to be covered will be Iger’s friendship-turned-rivalry with former Marvel chief Ike Perlmutter.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

The gift set also includes a Slappy doll and a retro edition of Night of the Living Dummy, featuring its original cover art.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
The dolls feature fashionable clothing, long rooted hair and collective accessories, among other features, that represent their particular emotion.

— Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

The motion filed last week also states the captain has a history of serious abuse at other federal prisons.

— Jim DeFede, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Deablo, a team captain who wears the green dot and communicates play calls to the Falcons' defense, is a particularly significant member of the operation.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of captain

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figurehead

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Style

“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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