marionettes

noun

plural of marionette
as in dolls
a puppet that is moved by pulling strings or wires that are attached to its body

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of marionettes The collections explore themes such as immigration and feminism while showcasing the many forms puppetry can take, from marionettes and hand puppets to shadow theater. — Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 This is a variety show with marionettes that sing, dance, dazzle and delight people of all ages. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 Platform algorithms have evolved to jerk our emotions around like marionettes. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 The 1960 series Supercar marked the debut of supermarionation, an electronic system that makes marionettes more lifelike and convincing on screen. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 July 2026 Sid spent much of the 1950s touring his marionettes in Europe and even appeared with Judy Garland as her opening act during the latter part of the decade. — Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Soon after, making marionettes entered the picture. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Natalie Haynes fleshes out the backstories of her cast—Jason, a handsome ship captain on a quest for the Golden Fleece, the scheming sorceress Medea, and Olympian deities toying with mortals like marionettes—and imbues them all with contemporary vibes. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026 This snowy themed show, which features about 100 marionettes, includes sledding slopes, caroling penguins and Santa’s workshop. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marionettes
  1. dolls
  2. dollies
  3. figurines
  4. figures
Noun
  • The dolls and books, which depict 9- and 10-year-olds, became part of daily life for millions of American girls.
    — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Most store shelves were filled with fashion dolls and products focused on beauty and appearance.
    — Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dolls
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
  • 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
Definition of dollies
Noun
  • Solid Brass Figurines Ducsik has noticed that solid brass figurines have become very popular again lately.
    — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026
  • As fans exited the Stadium, lurking entrepreneurs offered a hundred dollars for the figurines; today, sellers ask for as much as a thousand bucks on eBay.
    — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of figurines
Noun
  • But Jarmond later worked with a search committee that included prominent UCLA figures Bob Myers, Adam Peters and Casey Wasserman on the hiring of Bob Chesney, who quickly injected hope and optimism into the football program.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The backlash went beyond online and reached political figures like New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sent The Met committee a letter urging them to reconsider honoring Galliano.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures

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marionette
marionettes
marital
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Cite this Entry

“Marionettes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marionettes. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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