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

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 Tang’s absence from the prospectus signals a decisive shift in governance, effectively consolidating power under founder Sky Xu while removing the Western-facing figurehead who spearheaded the foreign listing attempts. — Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

Screenings of Puppet Heap’s original short films, narrated by the studio’s larger-than-life mascot, the Heap, show audiences how puppets are designed, built and brought to life for the camera.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
He was called Snarl, the Cigar Box Frackle, and that puppet was later remodeled into Gonzo.

— Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 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

Meta was considered a bust on AI except for the power angle, which is covered well by Entergy’s nuclear power plants.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
The ensemble, loosely based on a design from Saint Laurent’s fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection, per Chali’s stylist Chris Horan, was crafted with a velvety fabric and a sheer element at the bust for a sensual edge.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 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

Clay County’s deputy chief prosecuting attorney, Spencer Curtis, was appointed by the North Kansas City Council to fill the position, effective as of midnight on Wednesday.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
That loyalty complicates the ambitions of Peronists promising a fresh start — chief among them Axel Kicillof, the left-wing governor of Buenos Aires province, home to more than a third of Argentines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Five players, including captain Miguel Almirón (Paraguay), were away on international duty for their respective national teams.

— Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
In the dressing room, the Kings have given Kopitar’s crown to defenseman Drew Doughty, who will take over as captain in his 19th NHL season.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of captain

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figured out

figurehead

figureheads

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Style

“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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