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

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 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

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
The founders of iconic brands such as Ideal, Mattel, Marx, Hasbro, Kenner, Wham-O and Madame Alexander dolls shared roots in Yiddish-speaking Europe, and childhoods as the sons and daughters of immigrants.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

During the surge, the most important of these turned out to be those founded during the upheaval that followed George Floyd’s murder, when residents gathered in nearby parks to organize block associations led by captains.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Each jet had three senior captains onboard, Airlink said, operating in the roles of a commander, a co-pilot and a safety officer.

— Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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