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

Tippett’s team animated physical puppets, while ILM handled compositing and digital fire, smoke and explosions. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

The evening, co-hosted by Vanity Fair, marked a continuation in the film’s already lengthy journey, with a suitably ambitious exhibition pulling back the curtain on costumes, puppets, props and diminutive sets. — Bridget Arsenault, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

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

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