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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for figurehead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for figurehead

Noun

Patrons were able to indulge in a limited food menu, all while catching dance performers, puppet shows and more entertainment dedicated to the Middle Ages.

— Rashad Alexander August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Hundreds of puppets had to be created, and fitting characters like the Smiling Friends that were clearly designed for 2D animation into 3D spaces required some fabrication miracles.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

And that was before Aaron Donald, a three-time defensive player of the year, ended a two-year retirement to join a team about to embark on a boom-or-bust season.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
But for anyone disturbed by the way To Catch a Predator executes its faux-law enforcement busts, the movie risks becoming viscerally unpleasant.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 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

Price increases brought on by climbing input costs factor in to the elevated revenue guidance, Jeff Clarke, Dell's operating chief, said on a conference call with analysts.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
He's widely considered to be close to the chief of the army, which is Pakistan's most powerful institution.

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Gerber’s The Shards costars Homer Gere and Hayes Warner pressed the model for more information about the doll as part of the game, which requires actors to discern whether their costars are sharing true or false stories.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
As a child, Madix would put on shows for her pug, Ming, and a doll of Fievel, the mouse from An American Tail.

— Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Does anyone think Monken’s reluctance to name team captains is about anything other than a temporary quarterback situation?

— Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Often rapping over drumless loops, Elsesser took inspiration from Yasiin Bey and the late Ka, the Brownsville MC and producer who spent his days as an FDNY captain and nights as a pillar of hip-hop’s avant-garde.

— Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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