Synonyms of puppet

puppet

noun

ˈpə-pət 

1

as in doll

a small figure often of a human being used especially as a child's plaything

gave her a puppet with strings for a gift

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doll
• dolly
• poppet
• action figure
• marionette
• rag doll
• figurine
• handpuppet
• figure

2

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

accused the newspaper editor of being a puppet for the moneyed people of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pawn
• tool
• minion
• victim
• sucker
• instrument
• lay figure
• cat's-paw
• foil
• stooge
• chump
• dupe
• gull
• yes-man
• lapdog

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of puppet

Walk alongside giant ornaments, snowflakes, and sleigh light displays dotting the pier, and get creative with free community craft workshops including edible snowmen, pinecone woodland creatures, paper bag puppets, and more. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Sanders has governed as a MAGA puppet; someone far more interested in improving her national political standing than in addressing Arkansas issues. — Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Why call the result a zombie, rather than a ghost or a clone or a puppet? — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

People really respond to seeing these huge detailed sets with these little puppets, which is obviously something AI can’t replicate. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026