as in tool
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another
the novel's characters are not fully fleshed humans, but are simply lay figures strutted out to serve as mouthpieces for conflicting points of view
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
Noun
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Microsoft unveiled a new category of PC that features generative artificial intelligence tools built into Windows, the company's world-leading operating system.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025 -
When selecting a specific use case to pursue, Pantone considered the struggles its customers had previously brought to the company’s attention and surveyed other tools on the market for designers and creatives.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Some pawn shop owners are watching the disbursement of SNAP benefits closely, said Clay Baron, owner of Dave’s A Pawnshop in downtown El Paso, Texas.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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The others are just underwritten pawns in a contrived mystery.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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