lay figures

Definition of lay figuresnext
plural of lay figure
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
  • Bezel setting is central to my work, as nearly every piece is built around handmade bezels which, in 22-karat gold, can be fused rather than soldered and then shaped and set entirely by hand using simple tools due to the metal’s purity and softness.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
  • Every image and person in the film is generated using AI video tools and based on journalistic reports, photographs and eyewitness accounts, the announcement said.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The organization is treating these athletes as political pawns instead of as young people with their own families, goals, futures and careers to think about.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Making the lives of Idahoans affordable, fixing healthcare, helping farmers produce affordable food and still make a living, saving our public lands and national forest for future generations, and making sure vets, servicemen and women and seniors are not used as pawns in political games.
    Kevin Fixler May 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 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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“Lay figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figures. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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