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
  • For two decades she's turned the science of human behavior into practical tools that help people communicate with confidence.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Recent incidents expose critical security risks with autonomous AI agents, which act unsupervised using credentials and tools.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Paradise Pawn is based on her experiences working behind the counter of a pawn shop.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The process feels like a private atelier appointment rather than traditional banking or a pawn shop experience.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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