figurehead (C1)
noun
Pronunciation: ˈfɪɡjəˌhɛd
Definition
A person who holds a title or office of authority but possesses no real power or influence.
Examples
The king served as a constitutional figurehead while the parliament governed the country.
She refused to be a mere figurehead for the organization and demanded a seat at the decision-making table.
Critics argued that the new CEO was just a figurehead installed by the previous owners to appease investors.
How to Use figurehead
- serve as a figurehead (collocation)
- To hold a position of status without power. — "He served as a figurehead for the movement until his resignation."
- be a figurehead for (collocation)
- To represent an organization or cause in name only. — "The celebrity was a figurehead for the brand, appearing in ads but not managing operations."
Synonyms of figurehead
Words with a similar meaning to figurehead:
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