Synonyms of puppets

puppets

noun

plural of puppet

1

as in dolls

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

• dolls
• dollies
• poppets
• action figures
• figures
• marionettes
• figurines
• rag dolls
• handpuppets

2

as in pawns

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

• pawns
• tools
• minions
• victims
• suckers
• instruments
• lay figures
• cat's-paws
• dupes
• foils
• stooges
• chumps
• gulls
• yes-men
• lap dogs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of puppets

Unlike many other leftists, who saw the Nazis as mere puppets of capitalism, Seghers understood the raw, sensual appeal of the Fascist message. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

But what’s truly astonishing is the sheer scope of the effort involved in the gargantuan stop-motion production that involved some 200 practical puppets and 130 practical sets to bring the elaborate story to life. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

There is a definite handmade quality to the props and puppets that are part of the show’s charm. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Screenwriter Zoe Cooper supplies a total of four would-be victims for Zhan to dispatch, and the puppets quickly pick off the first three in some amusing and inventive ways. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Crowds will line the route to see floats, costumed actors, spectacular puppets and creative performances. — Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

The marionettes – or puppets – come in all shapes and sizes, many crafted from wood; some depict humans, others fantastical creatures, all intricately and lovingly made. — Kelly Kasulis Cho, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026

There are seagull puppets, a tandem bicycle, an oil stain in the shape of a rabbit, a meteorite. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Small Prophets, on the other hand, is much more whimsical; even the homunculi themselves look more like stop-motion puppets than anything scary. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026