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 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 Norton’s Ormund Hightower, Alicent’s cousin leading the Hightower host in support of Aegon and the Greens, has been a figurehead since the start of the Game of Thrones prequel’s third season. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

Instead of Larys pulling strings, Ormund is the puppet master.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Meet animals that live in the desert, enjoy a puppet show, crafts and more.

— Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

Bronin, who is 47, made an argument for a new crop of leaders inside the party, framing his campaign as a response to Democrats’ losses in 2024 after President Joe Biden ended his race for re-election amid concerns about his age.

— Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
From technological upheavals to an increasingly frenetic global trend cycle, industry leaders are constantly tasked with predicting what comes next — which is no small feat in 2026.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

O’Higgins spent about two years in Richmond, and his connection to the house is marked by an English Heritage Blue Plaque; a bust of him stands nearby in O’Higgins Square, where the borough celebrates his birthday each year.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Two Penn State University fraternities are at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring bust, leading to charges against 14 people, authorities announced on Monday.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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

Mueller was appointed and assumed office as police chief in Stillwater in January 2021.

— Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026
Tony Quiroga, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, said consumers should absolutely check out the Civic and the all-new electric Chevrolet Bolt ($27,600).

— Morgan Korn, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Celebrate this beloved Disney Princess with this beautiful American Girl® 18-inch doll with brown hair and hazel eyes, designed in collaboration with Disney.

— Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
City leaders announced Beal’s firing Thursday and said it was connected to how the city responded when someone left a Black doll hanging from a rope by its neck in a fire station stairwell in March.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Ethan Ampadu, the team’s 25-year-old captain, had a year remaining on his contract and a hugely impressive season under his belt in the Premier League.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Many dream of becoming captains and conquering the seas, but very few people, when looking at a massive cruise liner, seriously decide to build their own ship and set sail.

— Filip Borcov, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of captain

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figureheads

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Style

“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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