FIGUREHEAD Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

figurehead

noun

Definition of figurehead

as in puppet

Related Words

Relevance

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 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

India’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said the Ramayana and the Mahabharata had been part of Indonesian temple culture, wayang (traditional puppet theater) and the popular imagination for over a millennium.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Others have opted for the puppeteering class, upstairs, where pairs of students are taught to bring their humanoid puppets to life.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of puppet

Noun

The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
As economic worries grow, Newsom’s popularity dips Governor Newsom’s favorability ratings have dipped in the last months of his eight-year tenure as state leader.

— Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of leader

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

Preliminary results show Benjamin Netanyahu’s party ahead but short of a majority, while former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc trails and faces a difficult path to power.

— Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Netanyahu's Likud led with 27 seats, while former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party held 20.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of chief

Noun

Objects on display range from the very small—a Palladian-style, mahogany doll’s house from the seventeen-twenties—to the very large.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Pull some treats from the open coffin at Scotto Funeral Home, on the corner of Court Street and 2nd Place, then head to President near Hoyt to gawk at bloodstained windows and mutilated dolls.

— Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Adebayo, who took over as Heat captain when Haslem retired, is also on a path that could result in a Heat jersey retirement ceremony down the road.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Manchester United's loss to Bournemouth increased the pressure on manager Michael Carrick, who dropped captain Bruno Fernandes from the starting lineup.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of captain

Browse Nearby Words

figured out

figurehead

figureheads

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Figurehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figurehead. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of figurehead

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on figurehead

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes