as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning
a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 figuring out
This is a tough time to run into a Super Bowl favorite, with Harbaugh’s team still figuring out its identity and Nabers still getting his knee right.
—
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
And after figuring out exactly what to do with the ball perched on the staircase, DeChambeau took his shot while a phalanx of folks surrounded him, phone cameras in one hand, seltzers in the other.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Stokes breakout The Valkyries had a hard time figuring out Kiah Stokes’ role in the starting lineup as the veteran is not a 3-point shooter.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Knowing the basic forms is the first step to figuring out where adaptogens fit into your day.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
What’s the process like now for figuring out when to launch a new edition like The Real Housewives of Rhode Island and then where to locate it?
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 May 2026
One of the first steps in Parker figuring out his own way, of course, was dropping out of Berklee to avoid becoming a teacher.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
The podcast will see the married couple exploring the realities of navigating major life changes, from relationships under pressure, shifting identities, family dynamics and figuring out the future when life looks different from the past.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
The tricky part for the Huskies is figuring out who is coming back, and what needs will be left to address.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
And after figuring out exactly what to do with the ball perched on the staircase, DeChambeau took his shot while a phalanx of folks surrounded him, phone cameras in one hand, seltzers in the other.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Stokes breakout The Valkyries had a hard time figuring out Kiah Stokes’ role in the starting lineup as the veteran is not a 3-point shooter.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Knowing the basic forms is the first step to figuring out where adaptogens fit into your day.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
What’s the process like now for figuring out when to launch a new edition like The Real Housewives of Rhode Island and then where to locate it?
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 May 2026
One of the first steps in Parker figuring out his own way, of course, was dropping out of Berklee to avoid becoming a teacher.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
The podcast will see the married couple exploring the realities of navigating major life changes, from relationships under pressure, shifting identities, family dynamics and figuring out the future when life looks different from the past.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
The tricky part for the Huskies is figuring out who is coming back, and what needs will be left to address.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figuring out
Verb
-
As a former police officer my duties included investigating and solving tough problems to improve people’s day-to-day lives.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
-
Now neither person is solving the problem.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Returning to the treacherous halls of Reagan High, Jawbreaker The Musical is described as a high-gloss teen thriller that follows the rise—and unraveling—of a ruthless clique of teenage girls whose reign of power takes a deadly turn.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
20 May 2026
-
This is a market recalibrating—not unraveling.—
Lee Kiser,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The Anti-Weaponization Fund being set up in the Department of Justice will have a five-person board answering only to the attorney general, who is now Trump’s former personal criminal defense lawyer Todd Blanche in an acting capacity.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2026
-
According to Sarnoff, the show's producers always wanted the characters to find each other again and prioritized that over answering questions.—
Julie Tremaine,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Joyce, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, has been in Arizona this week working out with a physical therapist.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
24 May 2026
-
His goal while meeting and working out with teams at the combine and beyond was to be himself, not to try to fit in or stand out.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Seoul would maintain its goal of the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, while pursuing a phased and pragmatic approach to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue in close coordination with the international community, the spokesperson said.—
Joyce Lee,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
-
The rally comes as investors bet on progress toward resolving tensions in the Middle East.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Figuring out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figuring%20out. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
