Find Synonyms

puppet Synonyms

Another word for puppet

Choosing another word for puppet depends on context, so the 20 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A movable model of a person, animal, or creature, typically moved either by strings controlled from above or by a hand inside it.

Usage Example

"The children were captivated by the intricate wooden puppets dancing on the small stage."

Strongest
marionette
Strong
dummy
Weak
mannequin
doll

• noun (Context 2)

A person, group, or country that appears to be independent but is actually under the covert control of another powerful entity.

Usage Example

"The newly installed prime minister was widely seen by the public as a mere pawn of the military generals."

Strongest
pawn
stooge
tool
Strong
figurehead
lackey
mouthpiece
instrument
cat's-paw
creature

• verb (Context 3)

To control or manipulate someone or something from behind the scenes, as if pulling strings.

Usage Example

"The deposed dictator successfully puppeted the shadow government from his exile abroad."

Strongest
manipulate
control
Strong
orchestrate
stage-manage
maneuver
direct
engineer

Opposites of puppet

The opposite of puppet shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

puppeteer
master
boss
leader
ruler
See all opposites of puppet

• Nearby Words

pupal
pupfish
pupil
puppet
puppeteer
puppeteering
puppetlike

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Puppet. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 11, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/puppet
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