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 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

And yet each leg up in the market heightens the risk of more Situational Awareness-like squeezes, and of individualized distress giving way to a broader bust.

— John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
The novelty vending machines mold souvenir sculptures — a train car, a gorilla, a bust of Abraham Lincoln — in under a minute, filling a two-sided mold with hot plastic, then hollowing it out with compressed air.

— Juliet Bennett Rylah, Los Angeles Times, 10 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

The video features key symbols of Chicano culture, from lowriders to marionette dolls and sparkly Lady of Guadalupe statues.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
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

Definition of marionette

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

One element Davy loved was giving Jules black eyeliner under her eyes — a detail that’s a little baby doll-like.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
May this doll remind every child and every collector that dreams have no limits, excellence leaves a lasting imprint, and true greatness never goes out of style.

— Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, VIBE.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

The captain of an allegedly unlicensed boat that capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island over the weekend, killing a young woman and her baby, has been charged in their deaths.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Tougher tests lie ahead for Vuskovic than a comfortable 45-minute introduction in the first half against Roma before making way for 34-year-old captain Lewis Dunk.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of captain

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figurehead

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

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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