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

Screenings of Puppet Heap’s original short films, narrated by the studio’s larger-than-life mascot, the Heap, show audiences how puppets are designed, built and brought to life for the camera. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

He was called Snarl, the Cigar Box Frackle, and that puppet was later remodeled into Gonzo. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Its layered humor, sharp writing, and outstanding performances made everybody forget that the main character was a puppet. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Snow geese are large, ungainly animals, while this puppet one is sleek and white. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026