1
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment will be guests at the White House dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sculpture
a small statue
painted wooden figures by untrained artists can be quite valuable on today's antiques market
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
7
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in price
the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something
a number of the paintings at the auction sold at figures far higher than had been estimated
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9
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
the ice sculpture at the banquet was in the figure of an eagle spreading its wings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
11
as in calculation
figures plural
the act or process of performing mathematical operations to find a value
a person with a good head for figures
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12
as in look
the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality
unshaven and dirty, he presents a sorry figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to decide
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
we figured that we had better arrive early at the concert in order to get good seats
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to calculate
to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations
the car dealer figured that our monthly car payment would be $357
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4
as in to think
to have as an opinion
the father figures that girls should have the same athletic opportunities as boys and supports his daughter's interest in soccer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of figure
David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Take the central figure of the It films, Pennywise the Clown, who returns here and is portrayed again by Bill Skarsgard.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2026
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Researchers are still figuring this out, but there’s one interesting theory.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for figure
Noun
This network stretched from college campuses to New York and into the orbit of organized crime figures who were actively probing college athletics for vulnerabilities.
—David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Take the central figure of the It films, Pennywise the Clown, who returns here and is portrayed again by Bill Skarsgard.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2026
Verb
But Roberts figures to have two other very worthy options.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Researchers are still figuring this out, but there’s one interesting theory.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figure
Noun
-
Restaurants and bars in the area have done their utmost to make their patios, rooftops, and outdoor seating areas fun and comfortable, even during triple-digit heat.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
Week after week, his digits splayed across his helmet in anguish after passes ticked off his hands and into the grass.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The publication's covers have captured history and the public mood that defines it — like the famous September 2001 issue's cover, which simply featured the black outline of the Twin Towers against a dark sky.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
-
This partly due to the lack of subdial outlines, a characteristic of the collection.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The event will feature celebrity scoopers and the Moose Tracks mascot.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
-
Western celebrities are increasingly embracing Indian designers, too.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The sculpture was built by the city of Cincinnati’s engineering, architecture and urban design department, according to news reports.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Dec. 2025
-
After plans surfaced to swap out the original sculpture at the base of the Art Museum steps, Rocky himself had a change of heart.—
Ross DiMattei,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The show highlights Wu’s new venture, Atomic Lab, a platform for limited-edition collectible dolls inspired by fashion and pop culture.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
10 June 2026
-
Inside, Sophie loves to play with her baby dolls and stuffed animals.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The one-shoulder dress was designed with a billowing, one-shoulder top with an ornately speckled red and white pattern motif throughout.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 June 2026
-
Rich textiles, custom embroidery, crystal embellishment and patriotic motifs brought texture, movement and a fresh interpretation of American glamour.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
By mapping all six tectonic regimes under different physical conditions for the first time, the team constructed a comprehensive diagram revealing likely transition pathways as a planet cools.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
30 Nov. 2025
-
The record's aluminum cover contains a cartridge and a needle and has instructive diagrams that show how to play the record and decipher its information.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Citi also echoed in a note on Friday that sharply lower Chinese crude imports have helped moderate oil prices since the start of the Middle East conflict, reducing fears of a bidding war for supplies.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
-
Oil, gas and fertilizer prices have spiked as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figure. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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