figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

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.
Now, figuring out what to do about these realities is tricky. Ryan Swanson, Sportico.com, 8 July 2025 The Rockies certainly have not figured out how to achieve sustained success at Coors, making the playoffs only five times in their 33-year history, and back-to-back only in 2017 and ‘18. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Your provider will aim to figure out what's triggering your symptoms—and what kind of regimen will work best for your needs. Angela Haupt, Time, 8 July 2025 The Task Force’s expert panel evaluates the best available scientific evidence to figure out whether a preventive health intervention is beneficial to patients. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for figure out

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure out was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Figure out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20out. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

figure out

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

More from Merriam-Webster on figure out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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