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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Seven stacks of tiny paper cups were arranged to the left, next to packets of Nescafé, pouches of two-minute noodles, and a double gas burner connected to the cylinder—the main tool of his trade.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026 -
Abbott’s use of AL16 as a marketing tool worked.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But nothing's been signed, and lots of skeptics see the Bears using Indiana as a mere pawn in negotiations with Illinois.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
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Our job is to educate those people about how they’re being pushed around like pawns.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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