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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And a health system’s ability to schedule surgeries is gated not just by the availability of doctors and nurses, but also by its ability to maintain a constant flow of clean, reusable medical tools to its operating rooms.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026 -
Josh Mattison, executive vice president of digital revenue pricing, planning and operations at Disney, who reports to Ferro, said in an interview that Ferro made a point to learn the ins and outs of the digital tools at Disney’s disposal.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Noun
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No child should be used as a political pawn.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
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Authorities charged Mayo, 45, of Merrillville, with seven felonies on Sunday related to selling guns confiscated in town police investigations and selling them to a Hobart pawn shop, and for allegedly possessing an anabolic steroid.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2026
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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