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

The film introduces four newcomers – Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora and Piyush Khati – who headline a story centered on friendship, young love, heartbreak and the process of figuring out life as a young adult. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

China is at the vanguard of AI adoption as government policies encourage people and businesses to use AI applications and robotics in all aspects of life, so people like Fei are figuring out how to adapt. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

His work complete, Gorman retired with Brind’Amour’s blessing and is now figuring out what’s next. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

But figuring out how to implement generative AI is a trickier task for the Times in particular, a news institution that is obsessed with accuracy and attention to detail. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Aug. 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