lay figure

Definition of lay figurenext
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
  • He had been bothered by a hamate injury but offers some impressive tools.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • The measure aims to prevent businesses from offering different prices for shoppers based on personal information that is collected using tracking technology or other surveillance electronic tools, unless the businesses follow certain rules.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Don’t be a pawn for another photo op for this dysfunctional White House.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The Wolf King series will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in the sweeping romantasy.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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