CEFR C1

figurehead

noun

Meaning

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.

Synonyms: puppet, nominal leader, titular head

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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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