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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
Ronaldo, who has scored more goals (in all matches) than anyone else in the history of the sport, figures to extend his streak this month. Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 7 June 2026 Additionally, Wallen was also slammed by several local figures. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
Verb
Running costs vs sticker-price markups are much more difficult to figure with plug-in-hybrid models, however. Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 The Nats didn’t figure to be ready to compete for a postseason berth in Abrams’ tenure. Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figure
Noun
  • Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing opened its hot weather respite at North A Shelter through Saturday, officials announced, as daytime temperatures were forecast to reach triple digits beginning Thursday.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Bread, cigarettes, cars, and furniture have seen a similar triple-digit rise.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • So ignore the full outline and focus instead on the Keystone — a neat, four-star rectangle high in the southeastern sky on June evenings.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 June 2026
  • Soon, the outline of the Milky Way could be seen by the naked eye.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • In Packers country, celebrity doesn’t trump tradition.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • There is a lot of tequila out there to choose from, and some brands—shockingly—don’t even have a celebrity, actor, or athlete backing them.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Elder’s sculpture was sitting outside of Bee Hive KC over Memorial Day Weekend when a man who was visibly angry allegedly began vandalizing the honeybee, according to Elder.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
  • The show felt less like a natural history display than a contemporary art exhibition, complete with careful lighting, minimalist staging, a massive crowd on opening day, and the unmistakable suggestion that a dinosaur skeleton might belong beside blue-chip sculpture.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
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
  • Instead of piecing together diagrams manually, Visio gives you access to thousands of templates and over 250,000 shapes to map out everything from simple flowcharts to complex network diagrams.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026
  • McGhee remembers his first dictionary at 3 years old and the diagram of a pyramid on page 1,607.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, Kobe Bryant’s 2000 Lakers ring sold at auction for $927,000, the highest price ever paid for an NBA title ring, topping Bill Russell’s 1957 ring at $705,000.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • For comparison, the overall average price of real estate in Santa Clara over the last week was $2 million, or $1,102 per square foot.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figure. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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