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 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 Much like the Algonquin’s Beaux-Arts facade, the Vespucci’s gun-deck styling and figurehead carvings are more about signaling tradition than serving a practical purpose. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 July 2026 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 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

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

Even more strikingly, as noted over the weekend by The Wall Street Journal‘s Natasha Khan, the surge in Magic cards is exactly inversely proportional to an equal plunge in doll sales.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
La Palomilla in Mexico City gives guests traditional worry dolls as part of the bedtime routine.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

In 2025, the Travelers Championship ranked ninth in total television viewership, with former Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley winning the tournament, further fueling discussion about his role as one of the few playing captains in Ryder Cup history.

— Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Raman Kapoor, a tanker captain who had 10 days left on his tour when war erupted, watched helplessly in March as a nearby tanker exploded in flames after being hit by an unmanned craft.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

Definition of captain

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figured out

figurehead

figureheads

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“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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