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

Synonyms of figure out

• solve
• answer
• unravel
• resolve

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

Adjusting to a disability may involve figuring out what is still possible and how someone wants to move forward. — Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

The long-term survival of Hudsonian godwits—and migratory shorebirds more broadly—depends to a significant degree on scientists figuring out what efforts will be most effective. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

The Phillies will have to keep testing the waters in leverage situations over the next two weeks to figure out what gives them the best chance to win. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST's) infrared vision, Marielle Eduardo was able to figure out the size distribution of the TNOs. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figure out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

figure out

verb

1

: find out, discover

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve

figure out a problem