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

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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 Part of the problem for the West is that Russia, at least from the outside, is a cohesive unit—oppressive and economically dysfunctional, but largely united under the figurehead of Putin. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

But what’s truly astonishing is the sheer scope of the effort involved in the gargantuan stop-motion production that involved some 200 practical puppets and 130 practical sets to bring the elaborate story to life.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
Those who have been fully overtaken by the Bardo, with no hope of escape, are entrapped in giant puppet suits.

— Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

Kabila's new Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN, includes rebel groups formerly united under the Congo River Alliance, whose former leader Corneille Nangaa will serve as one of the new coalition's two vice presidents.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
When even the CEOs of the companies leading the AI race warn of the risk of potentially losing control of their own technology, the need for leaders who approach its adoption with caution, accountability, and sound judgement has never been so clear.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

California’s revenue is notoriously top heavy, leaving state coffers vulnerable to boom-and-bust cycles as the wealthiest residents see their incomes rise and fall with the stock market.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Several people have been charged in connection with the bust, but whoever oversaw the network has so far managed to elude arrest.

— Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 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

From the Magazine Fans of puppet shows are trying to save the traditional art of marionette-making in the United Kingdom before the skills are lost.

— Kelly Kasulis Cho, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
Harkness likens Lamb to an old marionette-maker who no longer pulls the strings.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of marionette

Noun

New Skydance content sales chief David Decker was all smiles at the WBD stand, able to look over and see his new Paramount colleagues just along the beachfront.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Her responsibilities were to be handed to Josh Huck, the deputy chief of mission and a senior diplomat with extensive experience in the region.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

This chapter is accompanied by somewhat twee images of an owl doll, a bottle of designer perfume, a high heel, and a golden microphone positioned against various ancient Greek ruins, including the Parthenon and the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
The film has since been turned into a theme park, dolls, T-shirts, video games, and more.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

The production is one reason at least one team captain thinks this is the best TCU defense in years.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
That night, it would be signed by the oceanographer, former Navy captain, and retired astronaut Kathryn Sullivan—the first person to both walk in outer space and visit the deepest point of the ocean, in the Mariana Trench.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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