as in tools
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another
though he liked to play up his influence with city hall, he was really just another pawn of the political bosses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in pledges
something given or held to assure that the giver will keep a promise
offered her license as a pawn that she would bring back the rental canoe
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in mortgages
to leave as a guarantee of repayment of a loan
he pawned his antique watch in order to pay off his gambling debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pawns
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
The organization is treating these athletes as political pawns instead of as young people with their own families, goals, futures and careers to think about.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Making the lives of Idahoans affordable, fixing healthcare, helping farmers produce affordable food and still make a living, saving our public lands and national forest for future generations, and making sure vets, servicemen and women and seniors are not used as pawns in political games.
—
Kevin Fixler
may 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
Most people don’t think children should be pawns in any politician’s culture war.
—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Most people don’t think children should be pawns in any politician’s culture war.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
The costume is meant to reflect the pawns in a game of chess.
—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
According to The Guardian, three military family advocacy organizations reported that the Marines felt like political pawns.
—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
But, in the slammers investigation, nearly all the people being prosecuted were pawns—passengers who’d agreed to ride in cars.
—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
Gulf governments, meanwhile, have dabbled abroad as well, while trying to address grievances among their own Shia populations to prevent them from becoming pawns of Tehran.
—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
The organization is treating these athletes as political pawns instead of as young people with their own families, goals, futures and careers to think about.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Making the lives of Idahoans affordable, fixing healthcare, helping farmers produce affordable food and still make a living, saving our public lands and national forest for future generations, and making sure vets, servicemen and women and seniors are not used as pawns in political games.
—
Kevin Fixler
may 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
Most people don’t think children should be pawns in any politician’s culture war.
—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Most people don’t think children should be pawns in any politician’s culture war.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
The costume is meant to reflect the pawns in a game of chess.
—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
According to The Guardian, three military family advocacy organizations reported that the Marines felt like political pawns.
—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
But, in the slammers investigation, nearly all the people being prosecuted were pawns—passengers who’d agreed to ride in cars.
—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pawns
Noun
-
That blast wasn’t the only time on Wednesday that the rookie showed off his physical tools.
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
Noun
-
But the campaign was much more than just pledges.
-
Critics say Burnham’s politics are vague and fail to grapple with tough issues, such as where the money will come from to pay for his pledges.
Verb
-
Those are the players in recent memory who’ve commanded the kind of draft capital that reshapes franchises — the sort of seismic move that mortgages a future and, in return, attaches expectations normally reserved for franchise-carrying superstars.
Noun
-
The world premiere on Sunday – in the presence of Illumination boss Chris Meledandri and director Pierre Coffin, who is also the origin of the minions’ unintelligible chatter – kicks off one of the biggest Annecy Film Festival’s yet.
-
The two key attractions include the Bello Bay Cruise river rapids ride where yellow minions face off against purple minions and the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby teacups ride.
Noun
-
Iranian officials argued that regional stability—including guarantees related to Lebanon—could not be separated from any lasting agreement with Washington and must be included in their negotiations.
-
But countries can be convinced by deft diplomacy, including security guarantees and economic relief, to voluntarily give up their aspiration for nuclear weapons.
Verb
-
The lightweight cream deposits a subtle wash of color, and blends tracelessly to create a fresh-faced, no-makeup-makeup finish.
-
This is one in which the user deposits cash that serves as its’ purchase limit.
Noun
-
Bird featured John Candy, Chevy Chase and Dave Thomas as well as the marquee puppets.
-
Other works include wearable pieces that are embroidered and feature patchwork to reflect the artist’s culture and heritage, sculptures made of textiles, a fabric book, puppets and more.
Noun
-
Most preferred securities pay qualified dividends, Martin said.
-
Wall Street amplified the problem by bundling risky mortgages into securities that spread losses throughout the financial system.
Cite this Entry
“Pawns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pawns. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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