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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For Lauren, the idea for their current AI tool began 25 years ago.—
Tharin Pillay,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025 -
But your browser is where all of your work, tools, and context come together.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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My values include the beliefs that all of our students should feel safe, respected, and valued in our schools, that decisions should be made on the best available evidence and data, that our kids are not political pawns, that inclusion creates opportunity, and that schools shouldn’t ban books.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
15 Oct. 2025
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Remember the big picture, people, and stop using taxpayers as pawns, or worse yet, collateral damage.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
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“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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