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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puppets
During the storm The storm has arrived, the power is out and your kids are making shadow puppets with the flashlight.
—
Michelle Marchante
updated May 27, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Deep in a cavernous New York City warehouse, the artisans behind some of the world’s most beloved children’s characters have been fashioning costumes and puppets for years in relative anonymity.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 May 2026
Last year, General Mills reimagined its cereal mascots as puppets as part of a collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, for its 70th anniversary.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Wait till the latter toot off their tops, as each of the 100 new puppets is full of surprises.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
This famed Disney family attraction features stunning puppets, visual tableaux, Elton John songs and African music.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Both would essentially be puppets of whatever the teachers unions want.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
The musical has been acclaimed for its visual spectacle and its clever use of puppets.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
There are scenes in the play where Ramos and Bradford operate a pair of space alien puppets, but to say more would spoil the play’s final twists.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Michelle Marchante
updated May 27, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Deep in a cavernous New York City warehouse, the artisans behind some of the world’s most beloved children’s characters have been fashioning costumes and puppets for years in relative anonymity.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 May 2026
Last year, General Mills reimagined its cereal mascots as puppets as part of a collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, for its 70th anniversary.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Wait till the latter toot off their tops, as each of the 100 new puppets is full of surprises.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
This famed Disney family attraction features stunning puppets, visual tableaux, Elton John songs and African music.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Both would essentially be puppets of whatever the teachers unions want.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
The musical has been acclaimed for its visual spectacle and its clever use of puppets.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
There are scenes in the play where Ramos and Bradford operate a pair of space alien puppets, but to say more would spoil the play’s final twists.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puppets
Noun
-
Various dolls populate the boxes, which occupy a trio of plinths arranged in a straight line.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
Tokyo has museums dedicated to kites, tattoos, love dolls, printing technology, luggage, children’s games, and more.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
-
The 750-ton building was placed onto 20 dollies and moved onto city property where it was ultimately restored and opened as a museum and events venue.—
Camila Gomez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
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Each band’s gear had been set up on dollies and risers, secured under forty-foot-long tents.—
Alex Abramovich,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
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Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puppets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puppets. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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