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

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

While the show relies heavily on visual effects, the goal is to always do everything as practically as possible — including creatures like the Radscorpion and Deathclaws, which use puppets and animatronics.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Viewers will see Mister Rogers’ familiar sweaters and shoes, Trolley and puppets including Daniel Striped Tiger, Lady Elaine Fairchilde and X the Owl.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

Should a college football team make the College Football Playoff because the sport’s leaders see them as an up-and-coming team that could use some extra cash, exposure and experience?

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The Nigerian leader began his administration with centerpiece economic reforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of leader

Noun

O’Higgins spent about two years in Richmond, and his connection to the house is marked by an English Heritage Blue Plaque; a bust of him stands nearby in O’Higgins Square, where the borough celebrates his birthday each year.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Two Penn State University fraternities are at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring bust, leading to charges against 14 people, authorities announced on Monday.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 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

Bulldozers and excavators in Texas’ Big Bend National Park are at a standstill as the chief of US Customs and Border Protection visits to assess how the agency should move forward with plans for new border security measures.

— Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
The team was in the midst of a fourth consecutive losing season when Jeanie removed Jim, general manager Mitch Kupchak and longtime public relations chief John Black in February 2017.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Celebrate this beloved Disney Princess with this beautiful American Girl® 18-inch doll with brown hair and hazel eyes, designed in collaboration with Disney.

— Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
City leaders announced Beal’s firing Thursday and said it was connected to how the city responded when someone left a Black doll hanging from a rope by its neck in a fire station stairwell in March.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Ethan Ampadu, the team’s 25-year-old captain, had a year remaining on his contract and a hugely impressive season under his belt in the Premier League.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Many dream of becoming captains and conquering the seas, but very few people, when looking at a massive cruise liner, seriously decide to build their own ship and set sail.

— Filip Borcov, Forbes.com, 17 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of figurehead

noun

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