figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out
Synonyms of figure outnext

transitive verb

1
: discover, determine
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve, fathom
figure out a problem

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Ulbrich’s challenge in training camp will be figuring out how and where to deploy Walker. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Right now, Di Mondo says the team is diving into the books and figuring out the storytelling, but casting buzz is already starting. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 June 2026 But the strategy, albeit flashy, has yielded mixed results in key races this cycle as candidates try to figure out how much political power an influencer can have. Elena Moore, NPR, 15 June 2026 Nearly 50,000 Lake Tahoe residents have to figure out their next power source when their utility redirects power to serve tech facilities. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

figure out

verb
1
: find out, discover
try to figure out a way to do it
2
: solve
figure out a problem

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