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Definition of figurenext
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as in digit
a character used to represent a mathematical value no doubt the figures on the price tags at the jewelry store are so small because the zeroes are so many

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as in outline
a line that traces the outer limits of an object or surface we could gradually see the figure of a ship coming our way through the fog

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as in sculpture
a small statue painted wooden figures by untrained artists can be quite valuable on today's antiques market

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as in doll
a three-dimensional representation of the human body used especially for displaying clothes the museum features a collection of figures strikingly attired in suits of medieval armor

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as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) upholstered the chair with a fabric embossed with figures of fleur-de-lis

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as in diagram
something that visually explains or decorates a text the layout editor could have done a better job of getting the figures on the same page as the specific portion of text that they are intended to illustrate

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as in physique
the type of body that a person has Martha has such a slender figure that just about anything looks good on her

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figure

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verb

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as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement let's figure the juice in the pan to be about a cup and just add it to the mix

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of figure
Noun
Last year, the conference still distributed $1 billion in revenue to its 16 members, becoming the first league to claim 10-figure earnings (the Big Ten likely reached the same milestone, but its financials don’t drop until May). Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 Mar. 2026 Analysts have broadly characterized Mojtaba as a powerful figure with limited public and international profiles, operating somewhat behind the scenes but enjoying major influence. David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
There figures to be significant competition for Linderbaum’s services, with one league source identifying the Los Angeles Chargers as an ideal fit. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 Democrats need to figure that out. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figure
Noun
  • His four-seam fastball runs in the mid-to-upper 90s and has hit triple digits.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Voters who cast ballots by mail would need to provide the last four digits of a unique number on their ID, like a driver’s license number.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The pattern of demands is a bare outline of topic areas.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Below the hawk-outline is a blue stellar nursery packed with newborn massive blue stars.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Speaking of celebrity picks, the Harlee Shoulder Bag was named among Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2025.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
  • That rare child actor to evolve into an indomitable leading man, Bale is notoriously dismissive of celebrity.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The sculpture depicts Krishna, the protector, raising a mountain with his left arm to shield cowherds from the wrathful storm unleashed by Indra—a pivotal motif in Khmer art.
    Li Qi, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2026
  • But one sculpture installed beside the new museum is getting more attention than most.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Today, the famous doll comes in various body types, skin tones, hair textures and physical abilities.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • There is a little girl doll, that's me.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And for Uniqlo’s spring/summer 2026 line, the designer has channelled his signature preppy motifs.
    Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
    Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Reuters/Elijah Nouvelage Authorities say the teen carefully plotted the shooting at his Barrow County high school, including allegedly leaving a notebook with handwritten instructions detailing the steps to prepare for the violence and a diagram of his classroom.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The labor-intensive process of converting play calls into diagrams has also proven to be a fertile learning ground for the crop of coaches that have come up under them.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Markdowns expire at midnight, and with prices starting at just $13, these finds won’t last long.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Between seating that doubles as sneaky storage and throw pillows that stand up to spring showers, there are easy ways to declutter, decorate, and deck out your deck—read on for our 20 favorite flash finds with prices starting at $24.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figure. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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