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 Thomas Tuchel, the new coach of England’s World Cup team, is less of a political figurehead than his predecessor. — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Thanks to his passion for gardening, O’Connor might also be the unintentional celebrity figurehead of the analog hobby movement. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2026 Some very famous people act as figurehead team principals and owners. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Prior to becoming the figurehead for the supergroup of musicians that are Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Lati left his mark on the dancefloor. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

The documentary utilizes a montage of vintage footage with animation and felt puppets of band members, and, having played the festivals, is due for national release sometime in 2026.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026
The next minute was given over to leaving viewers wondering why puppets rather than Jack White himself were squeezed into the mega-medley to deliver the biggest riff in rock or sportsdom, before BTS took over at the three-minute point.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 19 July 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

About 150 protesters were taken to hospital with injuries following Monday’s violence, according to leaders of the party behind the protests.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
While Wyscout is the industry leader for video scouting tools in football, Eyeball has, since forming in 2020, established itself as the youth football equivalent across the globe.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

For his first ten years as a professional, Messi was regarded as something of a bust at the international level.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
The other money factor is that podcasting’s boom cycle around 2019 inevitably turned into a bust cycle several years later.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of bust

Noun

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
Corlys orders his men to thread the rocky Dragonstone pass at low tide, even relieving the helmsman of the ship’s wheel at the crucial moment.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Definition of helmsman

Noun

The 1960 series Supercar marked the debut of supermarionation, an electronic system that makes marionettes more lifelike and convincing on screen.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 July 2026
About 146 groups, made up of more than 1,400 participants, marched in the parade, with projects ranging from larger-than-life marionette dolls to squads of children in do-it-yourself costumes to mobile re-creations of LACMA’s most iconic art pieces.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Definition of marionette

Noun

The ritual is one of the most somber duties of a commander-in-chief.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That's what is alleged to have taken place last year in Lake County, Florida, between a former police chief, who resigned in June after being placed on administrative leave in May, and a suspect's wife.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Now, over a year after the film’s premiere, the demand for merchandise is finally being fulfilled with the pending release of dolls of singers/demon hunters Rumi, Mira and Zoey from Mattel, role-playing toys from Hasbro and Funko Pops!

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Paying the price of a luxury car for a giant silicone doll that needs to be recharged every two to four hours seems like a questionable choice.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 July 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

On the pitch, Schlager — who operated as vice-captain last season — is seen as a leader and will stand up for his team-mates in the dressing room.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Right before dinner, with his furry ears on, Luke asks to speak to the captain.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Definition of captain

Browse Nearby Words

figured out

figurehead

figureheads

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Style

“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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