What Is Another Way to Say “Puppet Master”?

Looking for synonyms for puppet master? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say puppet master.

  • Manipulator
  • String-puller
  • Puppeteer
  • Schemer
  • Mastermind
  • Controller
  • Behind-the-scenes operator
  • Chessmaster
  • Svengali
  • Power broker
  • Influencer
  • Tactician
  • Strategist
  • Orchestrator
  • Conductor

Want to learn how to say puppet master professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Manipulator

Refers to someone who controls or influences others in a skillful but often unfair or deceitful way.

  • Example: The executive was known as a manipulator, always able to sway decisions in his favor without others realizing it.

2. String-puller

Describes a person who exerts control or influence over others indirectly, often without their knowledge.

  • Example: As a string-puller, she subtly guided the committee’s choices without ever taking a public stance.

3. Puppeteer

Similar to a puppet master, it emphasizes the control over individuals as if they were puppets.

  • Example: In the corporate world, he acted as a puppeteer, orchestrating major decisions from the shadows.

4. Schemer

Indicates someone who devises plans or schemes, often with connotations of cunning or deceit.

  • Example: The schemer plotted the company’s takeover with precision, outmaneuvering competitors.

5. Mastermind

Refers to a person who plans and directs an ingenious and complex scheme or enterprise.

  • Example: She was the mastermind behind the innovative marketing campaign that doubled the company’s sales.

6. Controller

Describes someone who exercises authoritative or dominating influence over others.

  • Example: As the controller of the family business, his decisions affected every branch of the operation.

7. Behind-the-scenes Operator

Indicates a person who influences or controls events in a hidden or unobvious manner.

  • Example: The behind-the-scenes operator was instrumental in negotiating the deal, though few knew of his involvement.

8. Chessmaster

Metaphorically describes someone who strategically manipulates situations or people as if playing a chess game.

  • Example: His reputation as a chessmaster in politics was unmatched, always staying several moves ahead of his opponents.

9. Svengali

Refers to a person who manipulates or controls another for selfish purposes, often with sinister overtones.

  • Example: The advisor, acting as a Svengali, had a disturbing level of influence over the young artist’s career and personal life.

10. Power Broker

Describes a person, especially a mediator, who has the ability to influence or control the distribution of power.

  • Example: As a power broker in the industry, her endorsement could make or break emerging technologies.

11. Influencer

In a broader sense, someone who has the power to affect the decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship.

  • Example: The CEO was an influencer in sustainable business practices, advocating for change across the sector.

12. Tactician

Emphasizes strategic planning and execution, often in a military or competitive context.

  • Example: His role as a tactician was evident in how he navigated the company through the financial crisis.

13. Strategist

Refers to someone skilled in planning the best way to gain an advantage or achieve success.

  • Example: The campaign’s success was credited to their lead strategist, who devised a comprehensive outreach plan.

14. Orchestrator

Indicates someone who organizes and coordinates various elements to achieve a desired effect.

  • Example: As the orchestrator of the event, she ensured that every detail contributed to the overarching theme.

15. Conductor

While traditionally associated with music, it metaphorically describes someone who directs and coordinates activities.

  • Example: He was the conductor of the project, ensuring all teams worked in harmony towards the common goal.

Linda Brown