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.
Merchants dealing with a penny shortage are trying to figure out whether they’re allowed to round purchases to the nearest 5 cents and have called on Congress to pass legislation to confirm the move. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025 This second game without Peterson will give the Jayhawks a chance to figure out how to play without him on the floor. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 15 Nov. 2025 Considering his importance to the team and his willingness to sign a one-year deal, the Dodgers and Rojas reuniting for another season seems to be all but done, with the details only left to figure out. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025 But figuring out the exact accounts to use can feel overwhelming. Natalie Wu, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025 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 18 Nov. 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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