FIGUREHEAD Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

figurehead

noun

Definition of figurehead

as in puppet

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Dissimilar Words

colossus

as in leader

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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

And the handcrafted, surreal warmth of Henson’s puppets and Muppets is a useful touchpoint when thinking about what the future of robots, literally, can look like.

— Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
The company does topical political protest shows using music, acting, masks, puppets and community spirit.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

New Hampshire’s premier Senate race is on after party leaders secured their top choices in what’s shaping up to be one of the tightest contests in the entire country come November.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Singapore pays its political leaders high salaries to attract talent and deter graft, but the issue is thorny in the city-state, where the median wage worker made S$5,775 ($736) a month in 2025.

— Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

And that was before Aaron Donald, a three-time defensive player of the year, ended a two-year retirement to join a team about to embark on a boom-or-bust season.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
But for anyone disturbed by the way To Catch a Predator executes its faux-law enforcement busts, the movie risks becoming viscerally unpleasant.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 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

Hawkins, a perimeter shooter and slasher out of UConn, was selected 14th in 2023, two years before a regime change that saw Joe Dumars replace David Griffin as basketball operations chief.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
When the deal was finalized, the new owners overhauled the management team, bringing in John Hutchison, the former chief executive officer of Bonobos, as the new chief to succeed Trevor Shimpfky.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Gerber’s The Shards costars Homer Gere and Hayes Warner pressed the model for more information about the doll as part of the game, which requires actors to discern whether their costars are sharing true or false stories.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
As a child, Madix would put on shows for her pug, Ming, and a doll of Fievel, the mouse from An American Tail.

— Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Does anyone think Monken’s reluctance to name team captains is about anything other than a temporary quarterback situation?

— Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Often rapping over drumless loops, Elsesser took inspiration from Yasiin Bey and the late Ka, the Brownsville MC and producer who spent his days as an FDNY captain and nights as a pillar of hip-hop’s avant-garde.

— Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of captain

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figured out

figurehead

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“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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