as in tools
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 figures
Noun
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New data science tools are rapidly improving the speed and accuracy of detecting slight changes.—
Matthew W. Kreuter,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025 -
Despite over a century of investigation, there is still no cure, but advances in diagnostic tools, treatments and preventive strategies continue to offer hope for slowing the disease and improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The others are just underwritten pawns in a contrived mystery.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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Stop using veterans as pawns & reopen the government.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lay figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figures. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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